R&D Engineer Intern
About The Position
Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join its Advanced Manufacturing Process Development Department. The internship focuses on laboratory material characterization and material processing, with primary work in microstructure imaging and analysis, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical testing. Secondary focus areas include thin-film coating and sample preparation. The intern will work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, with the opportunity to work up to 40 hours per week over the summer. This is a paid, fully on-site internship in State College, Pennsylvania. Relocation and housing are not provided. Employees must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in ARL’s drug testing program, and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements. Employment requires successful completion of background check(s).
Requirements
- Be an undergraduate student; students majoring in Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
- Be able to work independently and maintain a predictable work schedule.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
- Successfully complete required background check(s).
- Participate in the ARL drug testing program and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher is preferred.
- Experience or interest in material characterization, including metallography, optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and hardness testing.
- Knowledge of processing-microstructure-properties relationships in metals and ceramics.
- Experience or interest in additive manufacturing (3D printing), powder processing, or corrosion.
- Past success presenting results in written formats such as Word or PowerPoint and in weekly meetings.
Responsibilities
- Conduct material characterization and processing work in the laboratory.
- Perform microstructure imaging and analysis.
- Conduct X-ray diffraction.
- Perform mechanical testing.
- Work on thin-film coating and sample preparation as secondary focus areas.
- Present results in writing and in weekly meetings.
Benefits
- Paid internship opportunity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
