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Penetration Testing Internship Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Testing Internship information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do penetration testing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for penetration testing internship in Michigan is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a penetration testing intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penetration Testing Intern, you need a foundational understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by coursework or relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and basic scripting in Python or Bash is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective written communication help interns present findings and collaborate with security teams. These skills are crucial to accurately identify vulnerabilities, document results, and contribute to an organization's security posture.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a penetration testing internship?

As a Penetration Testing Intern, you will typically work on tasks such as assisting with vulnerability assessments, participating in controlled penetration tests, and helping document findings for client reports. You'll often collaborate with senior security analysts and IT teams to learn industry-standard tools and methodologies. Expect to be involved in both technical testing and the preparation of clear documentation to communicate your results. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to real-world security environments and can significantly enhance your career prospects in cybersecurity.

What is the difference between Penetration Testing Internship vs Cybersecurity Analyst Internship?

AspectPenetration Testing InternshipCybersecurity Analyst Internship
Required CertificationsBasic security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Similar certifications, often including Security+ or Cisco CCNA Security
Work EnvironmentHands-on security testing, vulnerability assessmentsMonitoring security systems, analyzing threats
Industry UsageCommon in security consulting firms, tech companiesWidespread across organizations with security teams

Both roles involve cybersecurity fundamentals, but Penetration Testing Internships focus on actively testing systems for vulnerabilities, while Cybersecurity Analyst Internships emphasize monitoring and analyzing security threats. The choice depends on whether you prefer hands-on testing or security monitoring within the cybersecurity field.

What is a penetration testing internship?

A Penetration Testing Internship is a temporary position where individuals gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity by learning how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications. Interns work under the guidance of experienced security professionals to simulate real-world cyberattacks and help organizations strengthen their security posture. This role typically involves tasks such as vulnerability assessments, security testing, and report writing. It is ideal for students or recent graduates looking to build practical skills in ethical hacking and information security.
What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Testing jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Penetration Testing jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Penetration Testing Internship jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Penetration Testing Internship jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Penetration Testing Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Penetration Testing Internship job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,872 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Systems Engineer, Cybersecurity

Torc Robotics

Ann Arbor, MI

$56 - $68.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About the Company 

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. 
A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners.Now a part of the Daimler family, we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight. 
Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer. 


Position Overview:
  • We are seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Entry-Level Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer to join our Base Hardware Cybersecurity team. In this role, you will help design, test, and implement secure architectures for next-generation Electronic Control Units (ECUs).
  • You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams and leading Tier-1 automotive suppliers to ensure our vehicle systems satisfy rigorous automotive security standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434, UN R155) throughout the system development lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
  • ECU Security Architecture & Implementation: Assist in defining security requirements for hardware and embedded software on automotive ECUs (including Secure Boot, Hardware Security Modules (HSM), cryptographic key management, and secure communication protocols).
  • Supplier Collaboration: Coordinate directly with Tier-1 suppliers to communicate cybersecurity technical requirements, review supplier deliverables, analyze security concepts, and track resolution of technical issues.
  • Threat Analysis & Risk Assessment (TARA): Participate in performing TARAs on vehicle systems and components to identify potential attack vectors, threat scenarios, and risk levels.
  • Protocol & Bus Security: Evaluate and support implementation of security controls on in-vehicle networks, including CAN / CAN-FD, Automotive Ethernet, and LIN (e.g., SecOC / Secure On-Board Communication).
  • Testing & Validation: Perform hands-on security verification, static/dynamic code analysis reviews, and assist with penetration testing or vulnerability scans on bench environments and target hardware.
  • Compliance & Process Support: Ensure engineering activities align with industry cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE regulations (UN R155 / R156).
Qualifications & Skills
Required Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on project/internship experience).
  • 0 to 2 years of professional or academic/internship experience in cybersecurity, embedded systems, or automotive engineering.
Technical Competencies:
  • Embedded Fundamentals: Basic understanding of embedded systems architecture, microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and C/C++ programming.
  • In-Vehicle Networks: Familiarity with automotive communications protocols such as CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, or Automotive Ethernet.
  • Core Security Concepts: Solid understanding of symmetric/asymmetric cryptography, hashing, public key infrastructure (PKI), and secure boot mechanisms.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate technical requirements to Tier-1 suppliers and cross-functional teams.
Preferred / Bonus Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with automotive security standards (ISO/SAE 21434, AUTOSAR SecOC, UN R155/R156).
  • Hands-on experience with hardware/firmware debugging tools (e.g., Vector CANoe, logic analyzers, oscilloscope, or JTAG debuggers).
  • Relevant entry-level certifications or training (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CEH, or coursework/certifications specific to embedded or automotive security).