Internship "Cyber-Physical Systems Security"

CENTER FOR DIGITAL SAFETY & SECURITY

As Austria's largest research and technology organisation for applied research, AIT works on major challenges such as climate change and digitalisation.

Our Center for Digital Safety & Security located in Vienna invites applications for an internship. The Center develops state-of-the-art information and communication technologies to ensure highly secure and reliable systems in the context of digitalisation and global networking. Focus areas include Distributed IT Systems, Internet of Things, IoT, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technologies, Quantum and Photonic Technologies, Wireless Systems and digital solutions for crisis and disaster management.

Our Cyber Security Research Field, part of the Competence Unit Security and Communication Technologies, specialises in applied research for digital security and develops innovative concepts, algorithms and systems for anomaly detection, cyber threat intelligence, penetration testing and cryptography.

• Under the guidance of an interdisciplinary team, you will help develop and enhance a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed, which serves as a training platform and is integrated into AIT's cyber domain for simulations and experiments.
• You will work hands-on with PLCs and contribute to practical research on protecting ICSs.
• Depending on your interests, you may also explore attack modeling, threat simulation, and secure system design.
• You will gain experience in building both hands-on and virtual training environments, conducting cyber-attacks, and empirically evaluating your implementations.
• You will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced cybersecurity researchers working on cutting-edge topics in industrial and cyber-physical system protection.
• You can apply your academic knowledge to real-world security challenges and contribute to applied research that supports training and education in the field of cyber defense.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• You are currently enrolled in a master’s study programme in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• You have strong programming skills in Python, C/C# or similar.
• Foundational knowledge of Cyber Security concepts; a deeper understanding of cyber-physical systems or industrial control systems is beneficial.
• Experience with Linux, such as system administration and scripting.
• Analytical thinking and enthusiasm for highly innovative research.
• Analytical thinking and a strong interest in innovative research.
• Knowledge of or interest in Programmable Logic Controllers is highly desirable.
• Interest to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate on different topics.
• Good verbal and written English and/or German skills.

What to expect:

• Duration of the internship: minimum 2 months.
• Start date: summer 2026, with flexibility concerning the start date.
• A remuneration of EUR 1.415 gross per month for 38.5 hours per week. In addition to company benefits, flexible working conditions and work experience in a highly innovative environment are offered.

At AIT, an inclusive and family-friendly working environment promotes equal opportunities and strengthens diversity across the workforce and leadership positions. AIT is committed to increasing the proportion of women in the company and particularly welcomes applications from female applicants.

Please submit your complete application documents online, consisting of your CV, a cover letter, relevant certificates and documents, as well as a proof of identity.

Apply now!