About the role#
We are looking for an R&D Engineer Intern to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing team at the Applied Research Laboratory. You will support research activities within the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Division, focusing on the manufacturing and characterization of polymers, fiber-reinforced composites, elastomers, and multi-material structures.
What you'll do#
- Perform and support daily fabrication and testing tasks in the research facility.
- Assist with formal documentation, including photography and written note-taking.
- Collaborate with engineers to plan, design, fabricate, and assemble new equipment and parts.
- Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, thermocouples, and accelerometers.
- Fabricate complex composite parts and multi-material assemblies.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, data sheets, and procedures.
- Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and report progress to engineering personnel.
- Follow verbal and written instructions and maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace.
- Work in small, interdisciplinary research teams and ask questions when in doubt.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Sciences, or Materials Science and Engineering.
- Experience fabricating or repairing fiber-reinforced composite materials.
- Working knowledge of materials and structures, specifically adhesives and polymer resins.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
- Ability to operate hand and shop tools, perform precision measurements, and interpret drawings.
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented environments.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Preferred: Experience with CAD software, mechanical testing, and composite fabrication methods like wet layup, VARTM, RTM, or prepreg.
- Preferred: Familiarity with optical microscopy, programmable furnaces, or test equipment monitoring.
- Preferred: An active security clearance.
Location & details#
- This position is based on-site in State College, Pennsylvania.
- The role is part-time, with up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
- Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance and participate in the laboratory drug testing program.
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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