R&D Engineer Intern
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 5, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 5, 2026. Pennsylvania State University scores C on the Alion truth index.
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, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent 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
We are seeking a motivated R&D Engineer Intern to join our Polymer Composite Manufacturing (PCM) team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You will support various research activities throughout the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division including manufacturing and characterization of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, elastomers, and/or multi-material structures.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Perform and support daily aspects of fabrication and testing in the AMME research facility,
- Assist in preparation of formal documentation, including written note-taking and photography,
- Follow written and verbal instruction when directed and report any issues to your supervisor,
- Report progress to the principal investigators and other engineering personnel,
- Work with engineers to plan, design, fabricate, and assemble new parts/equipment,
- Work on interdisciplinary teams,
- Read and interpret technical data sheets, drawings, procedures, and instructions,
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning laboratory equipment,
- Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, thermocouples, accelerometers, etc.
- Perform and support fabrication of complex composite parts and multi-material assemblies
- Support other research personnel with their work as needed in small research teams
- Ask questions and reach out to your supervisor or other team members when in doubt
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment
Students majoring in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Sciences, or Materials Science & Engineering.
Required skills/knowledge include:
- Experience fabricating and/or repairing fiber-reinforced composite materials
- Working knowledge of materials and structures, especially polymer resins and adhesives
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project, with the ability and willingness to learn new computer programs
- Operation of various shop and hand tools, precision measurements, drawing interpretation
- Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Preferred skills and experience include:
- Experience using CAD software
- Understanding of the mechanics of composite materials
- Exposure to various composites fabrication methods, including wet layup, VARTM / RTM, and prepreg
- Familiarity with advanced equipment ranging from optical microscopy to programmable furnaces to long-term monitoring of test equipment
- Exposure to the mechanical testing of materials
- Possession of an active security clearance
You will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours/week over the summer. This is a paid internship opportunity, and location will be fully on-site located in State College
Relocation and housing are not provided. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.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.