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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Materials Science and Applications (MSA) Division in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking motivated undergraduate engineering students to join our research team! You will become part of a team conducting a wide range of R&D projects involving next-generation materials and processes, focused on meeting the needs of critical applications. The MSA Division works with a broad range of materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and semiconductor materials. The team also emphasizes the development of advanced manufacturing methods that enable the transition of these materials to real-world applications. (Please note that you must be a U.S. citizen to apply.)
Student engineering interns typically work 5–10 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week over the summer. MSA collaborates with students to determine a schedule that accommodates classes and other academic obligations. Exact pay is determined based on the number of credits completed.
Students majoring in the following are encouraged to apply: Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE), Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM), Electrical Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Chemical Engineering (ChemE).
MSA Engineering Intern Activities:
Operation of advanced manufacturing equipment
Setup and execution of experimental designs
Materials and coatings process development
Device fabrication utilizing novel nanofabrication techniques
Material characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques
Application testing of components and devices under simulated real-world conditions
Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results
Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges
Development and optimization of prototypes for critical applications
Research and documentation of emerging technologies and materials
Maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment
Participation in technical presentations and discussions
Required skills and experience include:
Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method
Basic proficiency in using hand tools (e.g., tape measures, hammers, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Strong presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills
Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
Ability to work effectively as part of a project team
Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies
Basic understanding of safety protocols in laboratory or manufacturing environments
Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or simulation tools (optional but preferred)
Basic programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis or automation tasks]
Ability to conduct literature reviews and summarize findings related to materials science and engineering topics
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
Enthusiasm for hands-on work and experimentation
Further information:
Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA. This position will be mostly located at the 230 Building at Innovation Park (along the campus shuttle via Beaver Ave) with some work being performed at the Millennium Science Complex (MSC) on campus and other ARL buildings surrounding campus.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
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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Skills Required
- U.S. citizenship (must be U.S. citizen to apply)
- Ability to obtain government security clearance
- Successful completion of background check and pre-employment drug screen
- Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method
- Basic proficiency with hand tools (tape measure, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to maintain organized and detailed experimental notes
- Ability to work effectively on a project team; strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Basic understanding of laboratory and manufacturing safety protocols
- Basic programming or scripting skills for data analysis or automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
- Familiarity with CAD or simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
- Ability to conduct literature reviews and summarize materials science findings
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
