INTERNSHIP DETAILS

PhD Software Security Internship - 2026 summer placement

CompanyCambridge Consultants
LocationUnited Kingdom
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 17, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will contribute to the research and development of secure systems across defence and security domains, supporting the creation of novel security technologies like post-quantum cryptography and trusted execution approaches. Responsibilities also include investigating and prototyping embedded and distributed software for constrained environments and performing threat analysis and security architecture reviews.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
803
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
We do deep tech, you create the future… we are Cambridge Consultants. We do extraordinary, new-to-the-world deep tech innovation. What is deep tech? It’s a mindset; a bold strategy that harnesses radical science and engineering to achieve things no-one else can. It enables our clients to gain unassailable commercial advantage from defendable technology that they own. Markets are redefined, and the world takes notice. As the deep tech powerhouse of Capgemini, we’re ready to work with you to create technologies, services and products that have never been seen before. And which will transform business, society and the planet. If your ambition is to shatter the status quo, it’s time to get the future you want – with the power of deep tech. We are global team of 800 bright, talented people, delivering work across 35 countries from offices in Cambridge (UK) Boston (USA), Singapore and Tokyo. We have more than 140 laboratories and over 200,000 square feet of world-class design and development facilities. Our people are united by the ambition to turn brilliant, breakthrough ideas into scaled technologies, products and services. Cambridge Consultants is trusted by some of the world’s biggest brands and most ambitious start-ups to achieve their critical technology-based aspirations – and we’ve been doing it for more than 60 years.
About the Role

Overview

This internship focuses on advanced defence and security technology development. The role is suited to a PhD-level researcher with strong technical grounding in software security, cyber technologies, and embedded or distributed systems.

This placement can be between 3- and 6-months duration with a flexible start date, and is suitable for PhD students who have completed their first year of study.

There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

 

What you'll be doing

  • Contribute to research and development of secure systems across defence and security domains.

  • Support the creation of novel security technologies, including areas such as threat landscaping, post-quantum cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and trusted execution approaches.

  • Investigate and prototype embedded and distributed software for constrained, safety-critical, or adversarial environments.

  • Perform threat analysis, security architecture reviews, and experimental validation of new techniques.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams covering software, electronics, RF, AI, autonomy, and communications.

  • Participate in full lifecycle development activities, including design, implementation, testing, and documentation.

 

What you can bring

Current PhD study in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.

You will also have:

  • A background in software or hardware engineering, with a demonstrable interest in cybersecurity research.

  • Knowledge of one or more programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust, Go, or similar.

  • The ability to undertake technical investigations and communicate findings clearly.

  • Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance.

 

Desirable experience:

  • Experience in embedded software development or hardware–software interactions.

  • Experience in security for IoT, robotics, autonomy, or smart infrastructure.

  • An understanding of regulatory or assurance environments for security-critical systems.

 

Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

 

Working Environment

A successful intern will work within the Defence and Security business unit, engaging with experienced engineers and researchers on high‑impact client and internal R&D projects. Work may involve both on‑site and laboratory‑based activities.

 

Key Skills
Software SecurityCyber TechnologiesEmbedded SystemsDistributed SystemsThreat LandscapingPost-Quantum CryptographyPrivacy-Enhancing TechnologiesTrusted ExecutionThreat AnalysisSecurity Architecture ReviewsPythonC/C++RustGoSecurity ClearanceHardware-Software Interactions
Categories
Security & SafetyEngineeringScience & ResearchSoftware