Opto-Mechanical Engineering Intern

The Pennsylvania State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Electro-Optics & Electronics division in Freeport, PA invites advanced undergraduates and graduate students to join as Optical Engineering Interns. You will support HEL, EO, and opto-mechanical system development for military and intelligence customers, conduct data collection, and contribute to CAD-based fixture design.

Candidate must possess strong math and science foundations, hands-on optics lab experience, and familiarity with LabVIEW and MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Strong science and mathematics foundation.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, CCD cameras, as well as opto-mechanical accessories including lens and mirror mounts.
• Background coursework and understanding of optics to include Fourier optics, optical materials, coatings and diffraction gratings.
• Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and software including LabVIEW and MATLAB.
• Ability to analyze alternatives and apply sound engineering techniques and procedures to assignments.
• Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results.

Responsibilities

• Support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components, data collection, analysis, and modeling.
• Design, assemble, align and exercise opto-mechanical components and systems.
• CAD support for optical experimental test fixture design
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations

Skills

Science & mathematics

Optical lab experience

Lasers & optics components

Fourier optics

Coatings & diffraction gratings

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Data analysis

Communication & documentation

Education

Undergraduate or graduate-level student in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Optics, Physics, or Materials Science

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Electro-Optics & Electronics (EOE) Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, located in Freeport PA, is seeking an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level, Optical Engineering Intern to support High Energy Laser (HEL), Opto-Mechanical and Electro-Optical (EO) system development programs supporting military and intelligence community customers.

You will

• Support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components, data collection, analysis, and modeling
• Design, assemble, align and exercise opto-mechanical components and systems
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) support for optical experimental test fixture design
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations

Upperclass (junior or senior) undergraduate and graduate-level students studying Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Optics, Physics, Materials Science or similar programs are encouraged to apply.

Preferred skills and experience includes

• Strong science and mathematics foundation
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with optical components including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, CCD cameras, as well as opto‑mechanical accessories including lens and mirror mounts is desired
• Background coursework and understanding of optics to include the fundamentals of Fourier optics, optical materials, coatings and diffraction gratings
• Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and software including LabVIEW and MATLAB
• Ability to analyze alternatives and apply sound engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
• Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results

The successful candidate will work up to 40 hours/week during the internship/co‑op.

This is a paid internship and your working location will be fully on‑site located out of the EOE Division in Freeport, PA; relocation and housing are not provided.

Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume.

Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

For further information on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

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.

Freeport, PA