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Cyber Security Graduate Intern Jobs in Boston, MA

Cyber Security Graduate Intern information

See Boston, MA salary details

$12

$22

$28

How much do cyber security graduate intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cyber security graduate intern in Boston, MA is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cyber Security Graduate Intern do?

A Cyber Security Graduate Intern assists with protecting an organization’s digital assets by helping to identify vulnerabilities, monitor network activity, and respond to security incidents. They often work alongside experienced cybersecurity professionals to support tasks like conducting risk assessments, testing security controls, and researching emerging threats. Interns may also participate in security awareness training and contribute to documentation and reporting. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to various cybersecurity tools and techniques, helping interns build foundational skills for a career in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Security Graduate Intern?

To thrive as a Cyber Security Graduate Intern, you typically need a foundational understanding of information security principles, networking, and risk management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Wireshark, Nessus, Splunk, and basic knowledge of security frameworks or certifications such as CompTIA Security+ are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, supporting team objectives, and contributing to organizational security posture.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Cyber Security Graduate Intern expect during their internship?

As a Cyber Security Graduate Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that may include monitoring network activity for security threats, assisting with vulnerability assessments, and supporting incident response efforts. Interns often collaborate with experienced security analysts, IT teams, and sometimes even non-technical staff to help implement best practices and security protocols. This role provides hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, and you may also be involved in researching new threats or helping to develop security awareness training for employees. It's a great opportunity to gain practical insight into the daily operations of a professional cyber security team.

What is the difference between Cyber Security Graduate Intern vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber Security Graduate InternCyber Security Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in cybersecurity, IT, or related fieldsBachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields; certifications like CompTIA Security+ often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level tasks, supervised learningFull-time role, responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats
Employer & Industry UsageInternship positions in tech companies, cybersecurity firms, or IT departmentsEstablished cybersecurity teams across various industries including finance, healthcare, and tech

The main difference is that a Cyber Security Graduate Intern is an entry-level, temporary position focused on learning and supporting security tasks, while a Cyber Security Analyst is a full-time professional responsible for ongoing security operations and threat management.

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Cyber Security Graduate Intern jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Cyber Security Graduate Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Cyber Security Graduate Intern job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Internship, and 52% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,959 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Group 06-66 | SRP Intern | Laser Communications | Summer 2027

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

$43.50/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a United States Department of Defense research and development center chartered to apply advanced technology to problems of national security. The Laboratory provides technical expertise to the US government in domains ranging from cybersecurity to novel radar design to advanced microelectronics, and more. http://www.ll.mit.edu.

The Laser Communications Group develops, builds, tests, and operates laser communications systems for a variety of applications and environments. Lasercom offers dramatically increased data rates and enhanced physical security relative to standard radio frequency-based communications systems. The Group has expertise in communications; optics; electro-optics; optical turbulence mitigation; precise pointing control systems; embedded systems; command, control, and telemetry; test set design and fabrication; data analysis; modeling; and simulation.

Position Responsibilities

The Summer Intern will contribute to efforts as part of a Lasercom prototype build program, and will take ownership of a technical project to be completed and presented by the end of the internship term. 

Specific responsibilities will vary based on the current needs of the Group and active programs, as well as the Summer Intern's technical background and interests. Potential areas of work include software development, embedded systems design, control systems development, fiber optics and photonics, and data analysis.

Experience in the following areas is required
  • Candidate for a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate level degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related field
  • Experience working in an fiber optic/photonics laboratory environment
  • Ability to quickly learn new technical areas and apply that knowledge effectively to solve challenging mission problems
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills. The ability to articulate solutions to engineers in other disciplines who possess little understanding of software and/or electronic systems
  • Either: Proficiency with embedded systems, control, digital and analog circuit design and testing or proficiency with C/C++, Python, or similar language
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired
  • Background in signal processing for real systems and model-based simulations
  • Background in Linux real-time operating systems
  • Strong understanding of software interfaces with hardware peripherals and serial data interfaces
Summer Research Program Overview

The Summer Research Program offers students the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges while working alongside leading scientists and engineers. As an SRP intern, you'll engage in hands-on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities including workshops, tech talks, and networking events-all while building connections within a vibrant community of peers.

  • Internships are typically 10-12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, typically May through early August.
  • Housing support is available for eligible non-local interns, including access to discounted university housing in Boston and a one-time taxable relocation payment.
  • Complimentary daily shuttle transportation is provided from Boston-based housing to and from the Lab.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program at: https://www.ll.mit.edu/careers/student-opportunities/summer-research-program

 

Compensation

Hourly pay rates are effective through December 2026 and will be reviewed for Summer 2027. Rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hour
Sophomore year completed: $27.00/hour
Junior year completed: $29.00/hour
4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hour
Bachelors completed: $34.50/hour
Bachelors + 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hour
Bachelors + 2, two years of graduate study completed: $38.00/hour
MS completed: $39.00/hour
MS + 1, one year of graduate study completed after the MS: $41.00/hour
MS + 2, two years of graduate study completed after the MS: $42.50/hour
MS + 3, three years of graduate study completed after the MS: $43.50/hour

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43275