Engineering Support Specialist Intern

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

 

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Materials Science and Applications (MSA) Division in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking motivated undergraduate engineering students to join our research team! You will become part of a team conducting a wide range of R&D projects involving next-generation materials and processes, focused on meeting the needs of critical applications. The MSA Division works with a broad range of materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and semiconductor materials. The team also emphasizes the development of advanced manufacturing methods that enable the transition of these materials to real-world applications. (Please note that you must be a U.S. citizen to apply.)

Typical focus areas include:

• Operation of advanced manufacturing equipment
• Setup and execution of experimental designs
• Materials and coatings process development
• Device fabrication utilizing novel nanofabrication techniques
• Material characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques
• Application testing of components and devices under simulated real-world conditions
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges
• Development and optimization of prototypes for critical applications
• Research and documentation of emerging technologies and materials
• Maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Participation in technical presentations and discussions

Students majoring in the following are encouraged to apply: Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE), Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Chemical Engineering (ChemE).

Interest, Skills/Experience areas include:

• Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method
• Basic proficiency in using hand tools (e.g., tape measures, hammers, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Ability to work effectively as part of a project team
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies
• Basic understanding of safety protocols in laboratory or manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or simulation tools (optional but preferred)
• Basic programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis or automation tasks]
• Ability to conduct literature reviews and summarize findings related to materials science and engineering topics
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• Enthusiasm for hands-on work and experimentation

Student engineering interns typically work 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week over the summer. MSA collaborates with students to determine a schedule that accommodates classes and other academic obligations. Exact pay is determined based on the number of credits completed.

Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA. This position will be mostly located at the 230 Building at Innovation Park (along the campus shuttle via Beaver Ave) with some work being performed at the Millennium Science Complex (MSC) on campus and other ARL buildings surrounding campus.

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

 

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.  You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.  Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

 

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