Engineering Support Specialist Intern

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University seeks motivated undergraduate engineering students to join the MSA Division as engineering interns in State College, PA.

You will contribute to a broad suite of R&D projects across polymers, metals, ceramics, and semiconductor materials, focusing on advanced manufacturing methods for real-world applications. Exact pay is determined by credits completed.

Qualifications

• Basic engineering concepts and scientific method knowledge.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain organized notes and work in a team.
• Willingness to learn new tools and technologies.
• Basic safety understanding in lab/manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with CAD or simulation tools is preferred.
• Basic programming or scripting for data analysis or automation.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Set up and run experimental designs.
• Develop materials and coatings processes.
• Fabricate devices using novel nanofabrication techniques.
• Characterize materials with microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Test components under simulated real-world conditions.
• Collect, analyze, and report experimental data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve problems.
• Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications.
• Research and document emerging technologies and materials.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Participate in technical presentations and discussions.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Science method

Microsoft Office

Presentation & communication

Note taking & organization

Team collaboration

Learning agility

Safety awareness

Literature review & summarization

Problem solving

Time management

Hands-on experimentation

Education

Undergraduate student (enrolled)

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

MATLAB

Python

Job description

The Materials Science and Applications (MSA) Division in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking motivated undergraduate engineering students to join our research team! You will become part of a team conducting a wide range of R&D projects involving next-generation materials and processes, focused on meeting the needs of critical applications. The MSA Division works with a broad range of materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and semiconductor materials. The team also emphasizes the development of advanced manufacturing methods that enable the transition of these materials to real-world applications. (Please note that you must be a U.S. citizen to apply.)

Student engineering interns typically work 5–10 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week over the summer. MSA collaborates with students to determine a schedule that accommodates classes and other academic obligations. Exact pay is determined based on the number of credits completed.

Students majoring in the following are encouraged to apply:

Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE), Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Chemical Engineering (ChemE).

MSA Engineering Intern Activities:

• Operation of advanced manufacturing equipment

• Setup and execution of experimental designs

• Materials and coatings process development

• Device fabrication utilizing novel nanofabrication techniques

• Material characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques

• Application testing of components and devices under simulated real-world conditions

• Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results

• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges

• Development and optimization of prototypes for critical applications

• Research and documentation of emerging technologies and materials

• Maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment

• Participation in technical presentations and discussions

Required skills and experience include:

• Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method

• Basic proficiency in using hand tools (e.g., tape measures, hammers, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills

• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes

• Ability to work effectively as part of a project team

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies

• Basic understanding of safety protocols in laboratory or manufacturing environments

• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or simulation tools (optional but preferred)

• Basic programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis or automation tasks]

• Ability to conduct literature reviews and summarize findings related to materials science and engineering topics

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines

• Enthusiasm for hands‑on work and experimentation

Further information:

Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA. This position will be mostly located at the 230 Building at Innovation Park (along the campus shuttle via Beaver Ave) with some work being performed at the Millennium Science Complex (MSC) on campus and other ARL buildings surrounding campus.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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