Cybersecurity | Computer Science internship: autonomous penetration testing

Job Description:

Introduction

The Automation & Innovation team within ASML's Global Information Security organization explores modern ways to strengthen security testing capabilities. This internship contributes by evaluating how AI can support future penetration testing approaches. You will work on a forward-looking research topic with direct relevance to real-world security challenges. This internship combines experimentation, reflection, and collaboration. If you are curious about applied AI and security, this assignment is designed for you.

Your assignment

During this internship, you will investigate how mature current AI technologies are in autonomously identifying and validating security vulnerabilities. You will experiment with different AI-driven approaches and assess their feasibility in a realistic security testing environment. Your work will help ASML understand opportunities, limitations, and risks of AI-driven offensive security.

Your key responsibilities will be
* Research current AI techniques applicable to autonomous penetration testing.
* Design and execute experiments for vulnerability discovery and validation.
* Prototype AI-assisted or autonomous security testing workflows.
* Evaluate technical constraints, safety risks, and ethical considerations.
* Analyze and interpret experimental results in a structured manner.
* Document findings and recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Collaborate closely with security specialists and innovation-focused colleagues.

This is a master internship (thesis is optional) for minimum 5 months, minimum 3/4 days per week. The start date of this internship is as of September 1st.

Your profile

To be suitable for the internship, you:
- Are currently enrolled in a master's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related field.
- Have an interest in penetration testing, security research, and emerging AI technologies.
- Bring a solid foundation in programming, security concepts, or machine learning principles.
- Demonstrate an analytical and research-oriented mindset when solving complex problems.
- Communicate clearly and confidently in spoken and written English.

Throughout the internship, you will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of AI, security, and automation. You will work in an international environment in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, and collaborate with experienced professionals who value learning and inclusion. This internship builds a strong foundation for a future career in cybersecurity or AI-driven security research.

Other requirements you need to meet:
* You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship;
* Attach your cover letter with a clear motivation why you are interested in this internship assignment in particular;
* You need to be located in the Netherlands to be perform your internship. In case you are currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter includes the willingness to relocate.
* If you are a non-EU citizen, studying in the Netherlands, your university is willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement).

Inclusion and diversity

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

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