About the role#
The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking an R&D Engineer Intern to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department. You will work alongside engineers, scientists, and technical specialists on research projects supporting the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, and other government customers. This position is open to students from all academic years, and tasks are assigned based on your interests, experience, and coursework.
What you'll do#
- Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking.
- Assist with materials processing, surface preparation, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, welding, and fabrication.
- 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.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at Penn State or an accredited technical school, community college, or university.
- Study in engineering, 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 a willingness to learn.
- Ability to follow written procedures and verbal instructions.
- Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes and express ideas clearly.
- Experience collaborating in team-oriented environments through school, employment, military service, clubs, or athletics.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
- Must participate in the ARL drug testing program and comply with federal contractor monitoring requirements.
- Coursework or experience in materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, chemistry, physics, or engineering design is preferred.
- Experience with CAD, 3D printing, data-acquisition, or technical drawing software is preferred.
Location & details#
- This position is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania.
- Work is performed at ARL laboratories and facilities located on or near the Penn State University Park campus.
- This is a part-time role with a rolling schedule based on academic obligations, with potential for increased hours during academic breaks.
About Penn State University
Penn State University is an educational institution founded in 1855. It operates 24 campuses and serves a student body of nearly 88,000 people. The university focuses on education and research. It is based in University Park, Pennsylvania.
How to get in at Penn State University
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