General Computing Intern

Caltech; Livingston (LA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a General Computing Intern to work in-person at the LIGO Livingston Observatory. The role includes providing technical support, assisting with software installations, and diagnosing hardware issues.

The ideal candidate is enrolled in a Computer Science program and can commit to working 10-15 hours per week. This position offers practical experience in a cutting-edge science environment.

Qualifications

• Enrollment as a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field.
• At least two years of baccalaureate-level coursework in Computer Science or a related field.
• Ability to work up to 15 hours per week during the semester.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and assistance to LIGO staff on their computers.
• Assist with software installation, configuration, and documentation.
• Diagnose hardware issues and perform printer maintenance.

Skills

Technical support

Software installation

Communication skills

Problem resolution

Education

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Windows operating system

Macintosh operating system

Job description

Caltech is a world‑renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational‑wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled General Computing Intern to join its team. The internship is in‑person, on‑site at the LIGO Livingston Observatory for approximately 10–15 hours per week. This is a great opportunity for a student to work with the General Computing team at a cutting‑edge science facility and to learn to collaborate with teammates both in‑person and at remote LIGO Lab locations. The position is located in Livingston, LA and requires the intern to work on‑site throughout the year, not just during the summer.

Essential Job Duties

• Work with senior staff to provide technical support and assistance to LIGO staff on their laboratory‑provided computers and software.
• Provide software installation and removal as needed, along with e‑mail, anti‑virus, and anti‑malware configuration assistance for users.
• Prepare documentation of procedures for such software and configuration assistance.
• Diagnose hardware issues on users’ computers.
• Assist with system backups and restoration, and operating system updates to solve user’s issues.
• Perform printer maintenance such as toner replacement and clearing of paper jams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Enrollment as a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• At least two years of baccalaureate‑level coursework in Computer Science or a related field.
• Ability to work up to 15 hours per week during the semester; additional hours are available during summer break.
• Working knowledge of Windows or Macintosh operating systems.
• Some experience with network configuration on Windows or Macintosh systems.
• Familiarity with different Internet browsers and office productivity software.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Good problem‑resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a networked, multi‑user computer environment.
• TCP/IP configuration knowledge and experience troubleshooting wired and wireless network connections.
• Experience with computer hardware such as building a PC and trouble‑shooting and replacing components.
• Experience with system restorations from backups and upgrading operating system versions.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and identify problems.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter that summarizes your relevant experience from work or school, and why you would like to work at LIGO.
• Resume.

Hiring Range

$19.00 – $22.00 per hour. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

Benefits

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non‑benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position. If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting.