Engineering Support Specialist Intern

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University invites engineering interns to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department. You will work alongside engineers and technical staff on hands-on research and development projects supporting Navy and DoD customers.

Interns will prepare specimens, operate lab equipment, perform tests, and help design fixtures and prototypes while maintaining detailed notes and contributing to technical summaries and presentations.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment at Penn State or an accredited technical school, community college, college, or university.
• Study in engineering, engineering technology, manufacturing, machining, welding, materials, industrial technology, science, or a related technical field.
• Interest in hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, testing, or equipment-related work.

Responsibilities

• Work with engineers and staff to prepare samples, build prototypes, conduct tests, and support lab experiments.
• Operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment under supervision.
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing.
• Assist with materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other methods.
• Maintain organized lab notes and assist with technical summaries and presentations.

Skills

Hands-on lab work

Team collaboration

Use of hand tools

Education

Engineering enrollment

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Data acquisition

Spreadsheets

Job description

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. Work may be performed at ARL laboratories and facilities located on or near the Penn State University Park campus.

We are searching for an Engineering Support Specialist Intern to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

Our department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. The selected student will work alongside engineers, scientists, technologists, and technical specialists on hands-on research and development projects supporting the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and other government customers.

This position is intended for:

• Penn State students enrolled in an engineering, engineering technology, science, or related technical program
• Students attending a local technical school, community college, or other accredited institution and studying manufacturing, machining, welding, industrial technology, engineering technology, or a related field

Students from all academic years are encouraged to apply. Previous research or industry experience is not required. Tasks will be assigned based on the student’s interests, experience, and completed coursework.

Students will typically work part-time during the academic year, with scheduling based on classes and other academic obligations. Opportunities for increased hours during academic breaks and the summer may be available based on project needs and student availability.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Work with engineers and technical staff to prepare samples, build prototypes, conduct tests, and support laboratory experiments
• Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking
• Assist with materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, welding, and fabrication activities
• 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

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Current enrollment at Penn State or an accredited technical school, community college, college, or university
• Study in engineering, engineering technology, 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
• Ability to express ideas and observations clearly to drive understanding
• Experience collaborating in team-oriented environments through school, employment, military service, clubs, athletics, or other activities

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Coursework or experience involving materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, chemistry, physics, or engineering design
• Experience with machining, welding, fabrication, coatings, additive manufacturing, automotive work, equipment maintenance, or similar hands‑on activities
• Experience using CAD, 3D printing, data-acquisition, spreadsheet, or technical drawing software
• Familiarity with laboratory testing, materials characterization, or mechanical measurement tools
• Experience gained through technical education, school laboratories, student design teams, internships, employment, military service, hobbies, or independent projects

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

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.