R&D Engineering Intern

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) invites rising seniors to join the FORGE summer internship, focusing on engineering research and national security readiness. You will work on testing, data analysis, and hands-on lab tasks to build skills for a future full‑time role at ARL.

Participation involves using MATLAB and Python, data visualization, and collaboration with program sponsors. The on-site position is based in State College, PA, with strict security requirements and

Qualifications

• Must be a rising senior and eligible to work in the United States.
• U.S. citizen required for security screening and program access.
• On-site internship located in State College, PA; ARL program supports national security research.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering testing, data analysis, and data display.
• Hands-on work in a laboratory environment.
• Use of computing languages, analysis tools, simulations, and measurements.
• Network with program sponsors and ARL staff.

Skills

Data analysis

Laboratory work

Programming languages

Education

Undergraduate student (rising senior)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Lab equipment

Job description

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is looking for enterprising students to participate in a Summer 2027 engineering undergraduate internship, Fostering Opportunities in Research & Government Engineering (FORGE). The goal of the FORGE - ARL program is to identify rising seniors, graduating in May 2028, with interest in full-time employment at ARL. Students will conduct research to enhance their readiness for successful and significant careers in national security.

Typical duties may include:

• Support for engineering testing, data analysis, and data display
• Hands-on work in a laboratory environment
• Use of multiple computing languages, analysis tools, simulations, measurements
• Networking with program sponsors

Students studying the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:

• Mechanical Engineering with interest in robotics programming
• Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with interest in Aeroacoustics, AI for data analysis, fluid measurement techniques, or numerical methods
• Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineer with a focus in thermodynamics, structural design, or advanced materials
• Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or related Engineering discipline with a focus in forward-thinking research and development (experimental or computational)
• Electrical Engineer with an interest in signal processing
• Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineers with an interest in guidance and control, and programing experience
• Industrial Engineering or Math with interest in operations research and modeling of dynamic systems
• Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science with an interest in applied mathematics and software engineering for a future in advanced signal processing, embedded software development, and hardware design
• Information Science and Technology or Computer Science with interest in system integration
• Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with interest in thermodynamics, structural design, or advanced materials

You must be a rising senior. You may be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.

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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines

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