R&D Engineer Intern

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is offering multiple student internship positions as Research & Development Engineer Interns in University Park, PA. The role focuses on exploring AI capabilities within A2SO’s research domains, evaluating tools, and designing innovative projects that advance AI use in research and workflows.

Interns will work with ARL teams, gain hands-on experience with AI integration, and present results to leadership at the end of the internship.

Qualifications

• Experience applying AI in research or technical settings.
• Ability to analyze AI tools and communicate findings.
• Experience with data analytics and AI systems preferred.
• Capable of designing and executing independent AI experiments.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn and evaluate AI-related tools within A2SO.
• Help teams access and use these tools effectively.
• Assess strengths/weaknesses/risks of AI in A2SO research.
• Design and execute an independent AI integration project.
• Present findings and prototypes to leadership and teams.

Skills

Operational AI implementation

Data analytics with AI

Applied data science in research

AI-enabled technology development

Agentic AI experimentation

Education

Currently enrolled in engineering/data science/CS or related field

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Job Description And Position Requirements

Your working location will be fully on-site located in University Park, PA.

The All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) is seeking multiple highly motivated student interns to join our team as a Research & Development Engineer Intern. This internship provides a unique opportunity to explore and experiment with emerging AI capabilities within A2SO’s research domains. The selected interns will work closely with A2SO teams to understand available tools, evaluate AI opportunities and limitations, and design an innovative project that advances A2SO’s use of artificial intelligence in research and operational workflows.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and evaluate existing AI-related tools and resources available within A2SO.
• Collaborate with project teams to help them understand how to access and effectively use these tools.
• Assess and clearly communicate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks of using AI in A2SO research areas.
• Develop and execute an independent research project that experiments with AI integration into current or future A2SO efforts.
• Present findings, recommendations, and prototype results to A2SO leadership and project teams at the conclusion of the internship.

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Operational AI implementation
• Data analytics using AI systems or approaches
• Applied data science in research or technical environments
• AI-enabled technology development or optimization
• Agentic AI integration or related experimentation

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for students who are curious, innovative, and excited about pushing the boundaries of AI in applied research. Students from engineering, data science, computer science, information sciences, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duration: 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) with possibly follow-on in the Fall Semester

Start Date: May 2027

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu

Background Checks/clearances

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

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

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.

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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