Data Capture and Analysis Intern: Cybersecurity for Building Automation (6-12 months)

Job Description 

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented intern to play a pivotal role in the development and integration of security event detection and dashboard functionalities for the Building-X Security Operation Center (BX-SOC) project. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in enhancing our building automation systems, focusing on the security aspects of our operation. In this role, you will focus on capturing and retrieving system and environment data from a building network, and categorizing and detecting security events, thus contributing significantly to the safeguarding of complex building management systems. Your work will directly impact our ability to monitor and respond to security incidents effectively. Additionally, you will have the unique opportunity to integrate these capabilities into a user-friendly security dashboard, showcasing your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about cybersecurity, log and data analysis, and finding security deficiencies, and who is eager to apply their skills in a real-world, impactful project. 

As part of a dynamic team, you will collaborate closely with other interns and project leads, offering your expertise in data capturing and analysis while gaining invaluable experience in a cutting-edge, technological environment. Your contributions will not only drive the project towards success but also shape the future of building security operations. We are looking for someone who is ready to take on challenges, learn rapidly, and make a significant mark in the field of building security automation. 

This internship is offered as an on-site internship in our office in Princeton, NJ, USA. It is not offered as a remote position. Siemens benefits for interns include; competitive salary, relocation and housing assistance, as well as additional allowances. 

The challenges and responsibilities  

• Develop and refine logic for data capturing, data categorization and detection of security events within the BX-SOC system. 
• Support the integration of security event detection with the Building-X Data Visualizer, ensuring a seamless flow of data and alerts into the security dashboard. 
• Engage in the design and enhancement of the security dashboard, focusing on intuitive data presentation and user interaction. 
• Participate in the iterative process of testing and validation, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the event categorization and detection logic. 
• Assist in creating methods and code to gather data from building networks on various levels to collect what is needed to make correct decisions about the security status of such networks. 
• Learn about Siemens products that enable security scanning, security testing, security monitoring, vulnerability monitoring, and automated hardening / configuration, as well as asset management. 
• Work collaboratively with other team members, particularly in areas of overlap between security event detection and other system components. 

Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience 

Basic Qualifications: 

• B.S. required, and pursuing an M.Sc. in cybersecurity, or a related subject with a strong cybersecurity focus. 
• Proficiency in data collection, log collection and analysis, and categorization, with an ability to identify and interpret patterns in complex datasets. 
• Established foundation in cybersecurity principles, especially pertaining to intrusion detection and response mechanisms. 
• Initial experience with industrial environments, Operations Technology (OT) required. 
• Experience with Node-RED or similar flow-based programming tools is highly desirable. 
• System integration and the ability to work with various data sources and formats. 
• Experience with common data collection tools and protocols, such as snmp, nxlog, etc, and vulnerability scanning tools such as OpenVAS, Nessus, SINEC Security Inspector required. 
• Experience with professional software development environments (e.g., Jira and Gitlab, or similar platforms) desired. 
• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written) required. 

Preferred Skills:  

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail, crucial for developing accurate detection logic and dashboard functionalities. 
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, essential for collaborating with other interns and project stakeholders. 
• Eagerness to learn and adapt, with a willingness to delve into new tools and technologies as required by the project. 

May consider sponsorship of short-term J-1 visa students (6-12 months), depending upon program requirements. 

The pay range for this position is $22 - $40 per hour. The actual wage offered may be lower or higher depending on budget and candidate experience, knowledge, skills, qualifications, and premium geographic location. 

Successful candidates must be able to work with controlled technology in accordance with US Export Control Law. US Export Control laws and applicable regulations govern the distribution of strategically important technology, services and information to foreign nationals and foreign countries. Siemens may require candidates under consideration for employment opportunities to submit information regarding citizenship status to allow the organization to comply with specific US Export Control laws and regulations. Additional information on the US Export Control laws & regulations can be found on https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/deemed-exports/deemed-exports-faqs.

What do we offer? 

Our team is part of Siemens Technology (T), which is Siemens’ central Research & Development department. The team is composed of consultants, innovators, engineers, and researchers that unite a passion about cybersecurity and securing our customers’ assets and networks - in domains such as control systems used in energy utilities that are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, smart factories, building automation systems, intelligent transportation systems, healthcare, and innovative new products and solutions developed by Siemens. Our close contact to all our business units in Siemens provides the opportunity to contribute to and gain experience in real industrial applications. 

Our research team is located in beautiful Princeton, NJ, a university town packed with exceptional international talent that provides a unique feel of this true cultural gem in the state. The town has plenty of activities to offer, but for those looking for more, at just about 1h drive we have NYC or Philadelphia. We have the best public schools in the country and all of the above glued together by a very active and welcoming community.  

As Siemens’ central Research & Development department, we embrace this community. Our core mission is to support our Siemens business units as a central knowledge hub for all cybersecurity capabilities globally. We research and develop new and innovative solutions, based on much-needed deep technical expertise, and our network with internal and external experts and academia. This allows us to invent new solutions and approaches, and verify their feasibility in the “real world” together with the product development teams of our business units – creating a stimulating setup for quick innovation cycles and rapid prototyping. 

As an intern in our team, you have the opportunity to experience a professional industrial research team and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities of a career in industrial cybersecurity.