Vehicle Security Engineering Intern

At Kia, we are not just building award-winning cars; we’re shaping the future of mobility. With our bold designs, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we’re redefining what it means to drive in the 21st century. As part of our team, you will be working alongside industry experts and visionary leaders who are driving change and making a difference every day. 

 

As an Intern, you will embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and growth. From day one, you will be immersed in real-world projects and initiatives that will challenge you to think creatively, problem-solve with agility, and unleash your full potential. Whether you are a student or graduate looking to kickstart your career or gain valuable hands-on experience, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a brighter future. 

 

We are seeking ambitious and enthusiastic individuals who are eager to roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of automotive excellence. Apply now to be considered for Kia America’s Summer Internship Program. We will be accepting applications through March 20th.
 

Status

Non-Exempt

Summary

The Vehicle Security Engineering Intern at Kia America, Inc. (KUS) will support with vehicle cybersecurity penetration testing and risk assessment activities focused on identifying vehicle cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in Kia vehicle systems and defining recommended remediation/mitigation solutions. Additionally, the intern will be involved in enhancing the vehicle risk management framework, consisting of vehicle Threat Monitoring, Vulnerability Management, and Incident Response. The intern will take part in vehicle Incident Response tabletop exercises, simulating real-world vehicle cybersecurity attacks, and response mechanisms within KUS. The purpose of this internship is to seek and explore enhanced efficiencies and new innovations to KUS’ Vehicle Cybersecurity Strategy. 

This internship is a 10-week, full-time opportunity at Kia America’s Irvine headquarters from June 2, 2025 through August 8, 2025. The position is hybrid with one remote day per week.

Major Responsibilities

• Support in Vehicle Cybersecurity Penetration Testing and Risk Assessment (Explorative)
  • Perform vehicle level penetration testing (hacking) on our Kia vehicles, as well as on individual Kia vehicle components and electronic control units (ECUs).
    • Opportunities to collaborate and work with 3rd party cybersecurity vendors on testing activities.
  • Define remediation/mitigation strategies to enhance the security posture of vehicle systems / ECUs based on industry best-practices and guidelines. 
• Support in Vehicle Risk Management Framework Enhancements.
  • Review and offer enhancement suggestions on our risk management framework, which consists of vehicle cybersecurity threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response. 
• Support in Vehicle Risk Management – Tabletop Exercises.
  • Participate in the development and deployment of vehicle cybersecurity tabletop exercises, focused on threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response. 
  • The tabletop exercises depict real-world scenarios that Kia would respond to, and learn from to enhance our current strategy, efficiencies, and reduce the overall impact in real scenarios. 
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed, as necessary.
   

Education/Certification

• Enrollment in or graduation from a bachelor’s degree program required.
• Preferred majors include Information Security and Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Computer Science (with an emphasis on cybersecurity), or Vehicle Cybersecurity.
• Preferred Certifications / Training include: Comptia Security+, eJPT, PJPT, TCM Security Training.
   

Overall Experience

• Must be available for the full duration of the internship from June 2, 2025 – August 8, 2025.

Directly Related Experience

• Previous Information Security or Cybersecurity internships preferred.
• Academic projects focused on cybersecurity (penetration testing, risk assessments, system hardening) preferred. 
• Participation in public Capture the Flag events or bug bounty programs preferred.
   

Skills

Display a strong desire and willingness to learn.Display transparency, openness and eagerness to ask questions and continue learning.Possess a proactive attitude with a strong desire to explore new challenges and find cutting edge solutions.Proficient with Github platform and installing open-source tools.Proficient with Windows and Linux (or Mac) Operating Systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Kali, Parrot).Strong communication skills.

Competencies

Care for PeopleChase Excellence, Every DayDare to Push BoundariesEmpower People to ActMove Further, Together

Pay Rate:
$30 per hour

 

Equal Employment Opportunities

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices.  The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

 

Disclaimer:  The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.