On-Site Engineering Lab Intern — Materials & Testing

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; University Park (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State seeks an Engineering Support Specialist Intern to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department on-site in State College, PA. You will work with engineers and staff on hands-on research and development projects supporting defense customers.

The role emphasizes specimen preparation, materials processing, testing, and data collection, with opportunities to grow into higher-hour workloads during breaks and summer. DoD collaboration noted.

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 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.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory work

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Reading procedures

Note keeping

Communication of observations

Education

Enrollment in Penn State or accredited technical school

Engineering/Engineering Technology/Science program

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Data acquisition software

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State seeks an Engineering Support Specialist Intern to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department on-site in State College, PA. You will work with engineers and staff on hands-on research and development projects supporting defense customers.

The role emphasizes specimen preparation, materials processing, testing, and data collection, with opportunities to grow into higher-hour workloads during breaks and summer. DoD collaboration noted.