Opto-Mechanical Engineering Intern

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in Freeport, PA, is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern. This role involves supporting High Energy Laser and Electro-Optical system development programs for military customers.

Responsibilities include working on optical components and systems, providing CAD support, and documenting results. The successful candidate must be an advanced undergraduate or graduate student, with strong foundations in science and mathematics. It is a paid internship that requires on-site work.

Qualifications

• Must support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and modeling is crucial.
• Clear documentation and presentation of results is required.

Responsibilities

• Support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components.
• Design, assemble, and align opto-mechanical components.
• Provide computer aided design (CAD) support for optical test fixture design.

Skills

Strong science and mathematics foundation

Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components

Understanding of optics fundamentals

Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and software

Ability to analyze alternatives

Clear communication and documentation skills

Education

Advanced undergraduate or graduate-level

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

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 for 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
• Provide computer aided design (CAD) support for optical experimental test fixture design
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations

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, and opto-mechanical accessories such as lens and mirror mounts
• Background coursework and understanding of optics fundamentals including 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 the working location will be fully on‑site at the EOE Division in Freeport, PA; relocation and housing are not provided.

Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen. Employment will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.