R&D Engineer Intern

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join the Information Sciences Division, MLOps Department. The internship will be based at a government facility in Key West, Florida, during the summer of 2027. 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. Areas of focus may include artificial intelligence and machine learning; data analytics, mining, and visualization; geographic information systems and geospatial data analysis; relational and network analysis tools; software development, integration, and testing; and information and cybersecurity. This is a paid internship, fully onsite in Key West, with work up to 40 hours per week over the summer. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. A background investigation may be required to upgrade clearance eligibility. Employment also requires participation in the ARL 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

Be an 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 and the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges.
Be able to work effectively 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.
Complete required employment background checks and participate in the ARL drug testing program; 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 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 activities applying data analysis, information science, software, and security technologies to government applications.
Assist with the development, integration, testing, and evaluation of emerging technologies in an operational environment.
Document technical activities and results.