Engineering Support Specialist Intern

Location: Penn State University Park

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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 State College, PA. Work may be performed at ARL laboratories and facilities located on or near the Penn State University Park campus.

We are searching for an Engineering Support Specialist Intern to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

Our department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. The selected student will work alongside engineers, scientists, technologists, and technical specialists on hands-on research and development projects supporting the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and other government customers.

This position is intended for:

Penn State students enrolled in an engineering, engineering technology, science, or related technical program

Students attending a local technical school, community college, or other accredited institution and studying manufacturing, machining, welding, industrial technology, engineering technology, or a related field

Students from all academic years are encouraged to apply. Previous research or industry experience is not required. Tasks will be assigned based on the student’s interests, experience, and completed coursework.

Students will typically work part-time during the academic year, with scheduling based on classes and other academic obligations. Opportunities for increased hours during academic breaks and the summer may be available based on project needs and student availability.

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

You will:

Work with engineers and technical staff to prepare samples, build prototypes, conduct tests, and support laboratory experiments

Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking

Assist with materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, welding, and fabrication activities

Help design, build, assemble, and modify test fixtures, experimental hardware, and prototype components

Operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment under the supervision of experienced staff

Conduct mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing

Assist with materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods

Configure sensors, pumps, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, and data-acquisition equipment

Collect and organize test data, photographs, measurements, and observations

Maintain organized laboratory notes and assist with technical summaries and presentations

Troubleshoot equipment and experimental setups with guidance from engineering and technical staff

Maintain safe, clean, and organized laboratory and work areas

Required skills/experience areas include:

Current enrollment at Penn State or an accredited technical school, community college, college, or university

Study in engineering, engineering technology, manufacturing, machining, welding, materials, industrial technology, science, or a related technical field

Interest in hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, testing, or equipment-related work

Basic ability to safely use hand tools and measuring instruments or a willingness to learn

Ability to follow written procedures and verbal instructions

Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes

Ability to express ideas and observations clearly to drive understanding

Experience collaborating in team-oriented environments through school, employment, military service, clubs, athletics, or other activities

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Coursework or experience involving materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, chemistry, physics, or engineering design

Experience with machining, welding, fabrication, coatings, additive manufacturing, automotive work, equipment maintenance, or similar hands-on activities

Experience using CAD, 3D printing, data-acquisition, spreadsheet, or technical drawing software

Familiarity with laboratory testing, materials characterization, or mechanical measurement tools

Experience gained through technical education, school laboratories, student design teams, internships, employment, military service, hobbies, or independent projects

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