General Computing Intern

California Institute of Technology; Michigan; On-site; USD 26,174 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

California Institute of Technology is seeking a motivated General Computing Intern to join the LIGO Laboratory team. This role is located in Livingston, LA, requiring in-person work for approximately 10–15 hours per week.

The intern will assist with technical support, software installation, and hardware troubleshooting. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in Computer Science with relevant coursework and strong communication skills. Join Caltech's innovative environment and contribute to groundbreaking gravitational-wave research.

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 related field.
• Ability to work up to 15 hours/week during the semester.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and assistance for laboratory computers.
• Install and configure software as needed.
• Diagnose hardware issues and assist with backups.

Skills

Technical support

Problem resolution

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science

Tools

Windows operating system

Macintosh operating system

Networking software

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.

LIGO's General Computing Intern will work 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.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational‑wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world‑leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational‑wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational‑wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu

This position is located in Livingston, LA and requires the intern to work on‑site and in‑person with the observatory team for up to 15 hours per week throughout the year and 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.
• Work with senior staff to provide software installation and removal as needed, as well as e‑mail, anti‑virus, anti‑malware configuration assistance for users.
• Prepare documentation of procedures for such software and configuration assistance.
• Work with senior staff to perform diagnosis of hardware issues on user's 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 student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field of study.
• At least two years of baccalaureate‑level coursework in Computer Science or related field of study.
• Ability to work up to 15 hours/week during the semester, additional hours/week 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 troubleshooting 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, as well as 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. 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. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

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.

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 at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].