Hockey Research & Development Internship (Summer 2027)

Pittsburgh Penguins; Cranberry Township (Butler County); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Penguins offer a Hockey Research & Development Internship in Pittsburgh, PA, with remote consideration. You will engage with the Hockey Operations unit to analyze data and support decision-making through mathematics and computation.

Ideal candidates are rising juniors, seniors, or current graduate students with skills in math, statistics, and programming (R/Python). The internship runs up to 10 weeks with potential for future opportunities, and may be based remotely on a case-by-case

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, or engineering.
• Proficiency in programming with R, Python, and/or other relevant programming languages.
• Self-driven with a focus on high-quality work and attention to detail.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to discover new avenues of research.
• Analytical mindset with experience solving complex problems.
• Passion for hockey and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing statistical models and quantitative analysis using hockey data to support player evaluation, development, and strategic decision-making.
• Perform ad hoc research, data validation, and analysis for general Hockey Operations tasks.
• Develop research questions and analyze data to identify insights that can support the Penguins.
• Collaborate with Hockey Operations to create research inquiries delivering actionable insights.
• Communicate complex findings to diverse audiences within Hockey Operations.

Skills

Mathematics

Physics

Statistics

Computer Science

Engineering

Data analysis

R

Python

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Reports to: Director, Data Science

Location: Pittsburgh, PA / Remote Consideration

Status: Paid Internship, Stipend

Schedule: Up to 40 hours per week

Overview

The Pittsburgh Penguins are excited to offer a Hockey Research & Development Internship. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to engage with the Penguins’ Hockey Operations department and help aid in decision-making processes through the analysis and interpretation of hockey data. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about hockey and have a strong desire to contribute to the team through mathematics, data analysis, and computation. High performers will be intellectual contributors capable of working independently and collaboratively, posing intriguing research questions, analyzing data to answer these questions, and communicating findings effectively. You will have the opportunity to apply your research outcomes to enhance the Penguins’ performance on and off the ice. If you are driven, enjoy being a team player, have an innovative mindset, and want to pursue a future analytics role within the National Hockey League or professional sports, this is an opportunity to gain meaningful experience within a professional Hockey Operations environment.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

• Assist in the development and application of statistical modeling and quantitative analysis techniques using hockey data to support player evaluation, development, and strategic decision-making.
• Perform ad hoc research, data validation, and analysis in support of general Hockey Operations tasks.
• Develop research questions and analyze data to identify insights that can support the Penguins.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with other Hockey Operations team members to create research inquiries that can deliver actionable insights for the Penguins.
• Communicate complex research findings in an understandable manner to various audiences within Hockey Operations.
• Work independently and collaboratively to develop and communicate research outcomes.

Qualifications

Rising college junior or senior, or current graduate student.

• Strong foundation in mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in computer programming, with experience in R, Python, and/or other relevant programming languages.
• Self-driven with a focus on high-quality work and attention to detail.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to discover new avenues of research.
• Analytical mindset with experience solving complex problems.
• Passion for hockey and data-driven decision-making.

Internship Term

This internship runs for a maximum of 10 weeks, typically from June through August. The specific term will be based on the candidate’s availability.

Location

The organization’s preference is for the intern to be based in Pittsburgh, PA, but remote arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Schedule

This is a full-time internship based on a 40-hour work week.

Application Review

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with selected candidates contacted regarding next steps.

Course Credit

Students remain eligible to earn course credit for their internship and will be responsible for ensuring that the internship meets the criteria of their program and/or university.

Additional Information

The program offers a potential path to a full-time position based on individual performance and future potential, at the discretion of the intern’s manager.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.