GE Vernova Software-defined Networking and IPv6 for Secure Distributed Energy Resources Research Intern - Summer 2026

Job Description Summary

As a GE Vernova accelerator, GE Vernova Advanced Research is driving strategy and leading research & development efforts to execute on the business’s mission to help power the energy transition. We forge the collaborations and help invent the technologies required to electrify and decarbonize for a zero-carbon future.

Representing virtually every major scientific and engineering discipline, our researchers are collaborating with GE Vernova’s businesses, the U.S. government, and more than 420 entities at the forefront of technology to execute on 150+ energy focused projects. Collectively, these research programs and initiatives aim to solve near term technical challenges, deliver next generation product advances, and drive long term breakthrough innovation to enable more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy.

Come and join our powerful, unified force with the energy to change the world. Our mission is BIG.

Our TRANSFORMATION is key – bringing the right businesses together to LEAD the ENERGY TRANSITION. Our TEAM is ready.

Addressing the climate crisis is an urgent global priority and we take our responsibility seriously. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life.

Job Description

Software-defined networking (SDN) allows the control and management of network traffic to be centralized and programmable. This approach enables network administrators to define and manage network behavior through software, rather than relying on traditional hardware-based networking devices, allowing for greater flexibility, scalability, and automation. In turn, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small-scale, decentralized power generation and storage systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage batteries, that are connected to the grid and can operate in parallel with traditional centralized power plants.

We are looking for a graduate student with strong background in computer networking and distributed systems, to study the application of SDN in the context of DERs. The successful candidate will design and build testbeds to evaluate the performance of various SDN configurations and IPv6 communication in energy systems. This research opportunity offers a unique chance to explore the advancement of computer networking for energy systems and to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the smart grid of the future.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4.0/5.0.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
• Because of the specific categories of data handled by GE Vernova Advanced Research and the structure of our work environment, we are unable to accommodate employment of persons while they are considered nationals of countries subject to comprehensive restrictions under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Section 746 et seq. (currently North Korea, Syria, Iran and Cuba). Please note that citizens of these countries who have either “U.S. person” status under U.S. export control laws or subsequent citizenship or permanent residency from a non-restricted country can be considered.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.

Desired Skills:

• Scientific curiosity and willingness to explore, learn, and innovate.
• Strong background in network architectures and communication protocols.
• Strong working knowledge of network configuration and management under Linux.
• Familiarity with open-source SDN controllers such as ONOS, Ryu, and Faucet.