Opto-Mechanical Engineering Intern

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in Freeport, PA, is seeking an advanced undergraduate or graduate‑level Optical Engineering Intern to support HEL, opto‑mechanical and EO system development for military and intelligence customers.

You will design, assemble, align, and exercise opto‑mechanical components, perform CAD for test fixtures, collect data, analyze results, and document findings in reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Upperclass undergraduate or graduate student seeking hands-on optical engineering experience.
• Familiarity with optical components, lasers, lenses, detectors, and opto‑mechanical mounts is preferred.
• Background in Fourier optics, coatings, and diffraction gratings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support optical experiments, data collection, analysis, and modeling.
• Design, assemble, align and exercise opto‑mechanical components and systems.
• Provide CAD support for optical test fixture design and documentation of results.

Skills

Science & Math foundation

LabVIEW experience

MATLAB experience

Optics fundamentals

Data analysis

Education

Upperclass undergraduate or graduate student in Electrical Engineering / Engineering Science / Optics / Physics / Materials Science

Tools

CAD software

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.

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 web site at www.arl.psu.edu

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. 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.

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