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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Electro-Optics & Electronics (EOE) Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, located in Freeport PA, is seeking an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level, Optical Engineering Intern to support High Energy Laser (HEL), Opto-Mechanical and Electro-Optical (EO) system development programs supporting military and intelligence community customers.
You will:
- Support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components, data collection, analysis, and modeling
- Design, assemble, align and exercise opto-mechanical components and systems
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) support for optical experimental test fixture design
- Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
Upperclass (junior or senior) undergraduate and graduate-level students studying Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Optics, Physics, Materials Science or similar programs are encouraged to apply.
Preferred skills and experience includes:
- Strong science and mathematics foundation
- Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, CCD cameras, as well as opto-mechanical accessories including lens and mirror mounts is desired
- Background coursework and understanding of optics to include the fundamentals of Fourier optics, optical materials, coatings and diffraction gratings
- Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and software including LabVIEW and MATLAB
- Ability to analyze alternatives and apply sound engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
- Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results
The successful candidate will work up to 40 hours/week during the internship/co-op.
This is a paid internship and your working location will be fully on-site located out of the EOE Division in Freeport, PA; relocation and housing are not provided.
Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume.
Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu
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.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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
- Enrollment as an upperclass (junior/senior) undergraduate or graduate student in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Optics, Physics, Materials Science, or similar
- U.S. citizenship (must be a U.S. citizen to apply)
- Ability to work fully on-site in Freeport, PA and up to 40 hours/week
- Candidate will be subject to a government security investigation/background check
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen
- Submit a cover letter of interest and a resume
- Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components (lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, CCD cameras, mounts)
- Coursework and understanding of optics fundamentals (Fourier optics, optical materials, coatings, diffraction gratings)
- Familiarity with data acquisition hardware/software such as LabVIEW and MATLAB
- CAD skills for optical experimental test fixture design
- Strong science and mathematics foundation; ability to analyze alternatives and communicate and document results
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.
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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.
