R&D Engineer Intern

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Engineer Intern will join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department at Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. The intern will support hands-on research and development projects for the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and other government customers, working alongside engineers, scientists, technologists, and technical specialists. The role is intended for students in engineering, engineering technology, science, manufacturing, machining, welding, industrial technology, or related technical fields. Students from all academic years are encouraged to apply, and previous research or industry experience is not required. Tasks will be assigned according to the student’s interests, experience, and completed coursework. Students typically work part-time during the academic year, with schedules arranged around classes and other academic obligations. Increased hours during academic breaks or summer may be available depending on project needs and student availability. The position is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania. Work may take place at ARL laboratories and facilities on or near the Penn State University Park campus. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. Employment also requires participation in ARL’s drug testing program and compliance with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted in certain areas.

Requirements

Current enrollment at Penn State or an accredited technical school, community college, college, or university.
Study in engineering, engineering technology, manufacturing, machining, welding, materials, industrial technology, science, or a related technical field.
Interest in hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, testing, or equipment-related work.
Basic ability to safely use hand tools and measuring instruments, or willingness to learn.
Ability to follow written procedures and verbal instructions.
Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes.
Ability to express ideas and observations clearly to support understanding.
Experience collaborating in team-oriented environments through school, employment, military service, clubs, athletics, or other activities.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or experience involving materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, chemistry, physics, or engineering design.
Experience with machining, welding, fabrication, coatings, additive manufacturing, automotive work, equipment maintenance, or similar hands-on activities.
Experience using CAD, 3D printing, data-acquisition, spreadsheet, or technical drawing software.
Familiarity with laboratory testing, materials characterization, or mechanical measurement tools.
Experience gained through technical education, school laboratories, student design teams, internships, employment, military service, hobbies, or independent projects.

Responsibilities

Work with engineers and technical staff to prepare samples, build prototypes, conduct tests, and support laboratory experiments.
Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking.
Assist with materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, welding, and fabrication activities.
Help design, build, assemble, and modify test fixtures, experimental hardware, and prototype components.
Operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment under the supervision of experienced staff.
Conduct mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing.
Assist with materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods.
Configure sensors, pumps, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, and data-acquisition equipment.
Collect and organize test data, photographs, measurements, and observations.
Maintain organized laboratory notes and assist with technical summaries and presentations.
Troubleshoot equipment and experimental setups with guidance from engineering and technical staff.
Maintain safe, clean, and organized laboratory and work areas.