Geospatial Engineering Research Intern
About The Position
We are seeking a Geospatial Engineering Research Intern to join the Geospatial, Imaging, and Data Sciences Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This division specializes in advanced geospatial analytics, remote sensing, spatial data modeling, imagery exploitation, and decision-support tools that directly support critical national security and defense missions. Students currently enrolled in a GIS degree or certificate program is preferred. Minimally requires a Master's degree. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. The successful candidate will work up to 80 hours from July 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026. You will: Prepare, process, and analyze raster and vector geospatial datasets, including DEMs, satellite imagery, and environmental data layers used in research workflows Utilize ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related tools to develop maps, spatial visualizations, and analytical products for internal research teams and external sponsors Conduct exploratory spatial analyses, such as watershed delineation, habitat mapping, terrain modeling, and multi-layer data integration for environmental and operational assessments Support geospatial components of modeling and simulation efforts, including data import, transformation, and spatial quality checks Assist with generating cartographic products, Story Maps, or geospatial briefings to help communicate technical findings to diverse audiences Develop or adapt geospatial scripts using Python for data processing, automation, and spatial analytics workflows Collaborate directly with researchers across the division, contributing as a hands‑on team member to ongoing projects in geospatial data science, remote sensing, and imagery analysis
Requirements
- Graduate (Certificate or Degree) level coursework in GIS, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, environmental science, mathematics, physics, or engineering.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and common geospatial data formats (e.g., .tif, .kml/.kmz, raster datasets)
- Experience working with satellite imagery, interpreting environmental changes, and performing spatial analysis tasks such as DEM processing and hillshade modeling
- Foundational knowledge of Python for geospatial or scientific workflows and familiarity with writing basic SQL queries for data filtering or extraction
- Strong written communication skills and ability to convey complex spatial information through reports, maps, and digital storytelling platforms (e.g., ESRI Story Maps)
- Strong presentation skills, presenting geospatial and related topics to audiences at various levels of knowledge.
Nice To Haves
- Experience conducting multi‑source spatial research, such as species migration analysis, environmental health assessments, or community impact studies
- Demonstrated ability to manage research datasets, maintain version control, and update information with accuracy and attention to detail (e.g., prior experience managing confidential data)
- Familiarity with basic remote sensing principles such as land cover interpretation, temporal imagery comparison, or environmental change analysis
Responsibilities
- Prepare, process, and analyze raster and vector geospatial datasets, including DEMs, satellite imagery, and environmental data layers used in research workflows
- Utilize ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related tools to develop maps, spatial visualizations, and analytical products for internal research teams and external sponsors
- Conduct exploratory spatial analyses, such as watershed delineation, habitat mapping, terrain modeling, and multi-layer data integration for environmental and operational assessments
- Support geospatial components of modeling and simulation efforts, including data import, transformation, and spatial quality checks
- Assist with generating cartographic products, Story Maps, or geospatial briefings to help communicate technical findings to diverse audiences
- Develop or adapt geospatial scripts using Python for data processing, automation, and spatial analytics workflows
- Collaborate directly with researchers across the division, contributing as a hands‑on team member to ongoing projects in geospatial data science, remote sensing, and imagery analysis
Benefits
- This is a paid internship.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
