R&D Engineer Intern

Penn State University•University Park, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Information Sciences Division, MLOps Department, seeks a motivated undergraduate student for a paid summer internship in 2027. The position is based at a government facility in Key West, Florida. The intern will support research and development applying data analysis, information science, software, and security technologies to real-world government applications, working alongside engineers, researchers, and government personnel to develop, integrate, test, and evaluate emerging technologies in an operational environment. Typical focus areas include artificial intelligence and machine learning; data analytics, mining, and visualization; GIS and geospatial data analysis; relational and network analysis tools; software development, integration, and testing; and information and cybersecurity in theory and practice. The intern will work up to 40 hours per week over the summer and will be fully onsite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. Employment requires successful completion of background checks. ARL employees must participate in its drug testing program and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted in certain areas. A government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility may be required.

Requirements

Be a motivated undergraduate student; students pursuing a B.S. in an engineering discipline, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, or a related technical discipline are encouraged to apply.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges.
Be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary technical team.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical activities and results.

Nice To Haves

Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher is preferred.
Experience with or interest in programming and scripting languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
Familiarity with data analysis, data visualization, or data-processing techniques and tools.
Interest in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data-driven applications.
Familiarity with GIS, geospatial technologies, relational databases, or network analysis tools.
Understanding of basic software development, systems integration, or cybersecurity concepts.

Responsibilities

Support research and development applying data analysis, information science, software, and security technologies to government applications.
Support the development, integration, testing, and evaluation of emerging technologies in an operational environment.
Document technical activities and results.