Internship / Thesis: Cybersecurity of Electric Drive Systems

Volkswagen Group

Internship focused on cybersecurity of future electric vehicles at Volkswagen. Involves research and development of innovative methods through AI and simulation.

Posted 7/25/2026internshipBaunatal • 🇩🇪 GermanyEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cybersecurity and penetration testing, with a strong focus on simulation-based testing and risk assessment methodologies. Proficient in programming and simulation tools, with the ability to analyze and improve cybersecurity frameworks in the automotive sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

CybersecurityPenetration TestingMATLAB/SimulinkPython ProgrammingModel-Based Systems Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CybersecurityPenetration TestingMATLAB/SimulinkPython ProgrammingC/C++ ProgrammingSimulation-Based TestingRisk AssessmentThreat AnalysisElectric Drive SystemsPower Electronics

Soft Skills

Analytical Working StyleStructured Working StyleTeamworkCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Simulation ToolsVirtualized Test Environments

Industry Keywords

ISO 21434Automotive EngineeringCybersecurity Risk AnalysisTARA

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Do you want to actively shape the cybersecurity of future electric vehicles and research innovative methods at the intersection of artificial intelligence, simulation, and vehicle development?
Develop a proof of concept for optimized penetration testing by comparing AI-based simulations with physical attack scenarios
Develop a simulation-based penetration test framework to model real attacker capabilities and attack behaviors in virtualized vehicle environments
Integrate simulation results into structured cybersecurity risk analyses to improve consistency, reproducibility, and accuracy of risk assessments
Analyze existing TARA (Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment) implementations in accordance with ISO 21434 and identify deviations and opportunities for improvement
Collaborate with cybersecurity development teams and document and present project results

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's students (including gap year students) in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related fields
Good knowledge of, or strong interest in, cybersecurity and penetration testing
Experience with simulation tools or virtualized test environments; proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink
Knowledge of formal methods, simulation-based testing techniques, or Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is desirable
Programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages
Knowledge of electric drive systems or power electronics is a plus
Analytical and structured working style, as well as teamwork and communication skills
German and English language skills at B2 level

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote work: Up to 40%
Internship / thesis position