R&D Engineer Intern

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

We are searching for a motivated undergraduate student to join the Systems Manufacturing Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This internship will development of custom application to support the design, development and manufacture of products

Typical focus areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human - Computer Interactions
• Software Development and Programing
• Algorithms and Theoretical Foundations

Students majoring in the following fields are encouraged to apply:

• Computer Science

Interest Skills/Experience areas include:

• Passionate about artificial intelligence, with a strong interest in machine learning models, natural language processing, and computer vision. Skilled in Python, TensorFlow, and scikit‑learn, with hands‑on experience building and training models for classification and regression tasks. Eager to apply AI concepts to real‑world problems, leveraging academic projects and online labs to develop innovative solutions.
• Interested in human-computer interaction (HCI) design, focusing on user experience (UX) research, usability testing, and interface design. Skilled in conducting user surveys, creating wireframes, and prototyping using tools such as Figma and Adobe XD. Experienced in applying design thinking principles to improve system usability, with a background in usability studies and interactive design coursework.
• Enthusiastic about software development, with proficiency in Java, C++, and Python. Skilled in object‑oriented design, version control (Git), and debugging. Experienced in developing desktop and web applications, including full‑stack projects and algorithmic problem‑solving. Committed to writing clean, maintainable code and collaborating effectively in team‑based development environments.
• Strong interest in algorithms and their theoretical underpinnings, including complexity analysis, graph theory, and dynamic programming. Skilled in implementing and optimizing algorithms in Python and C++, with experience in competitive programming and algorithmic problem‑solving. Familiar with formal methods and mathematical modeling, and motivated to explore advanced topics in computational theory.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a predictable work schedule
• ·Past success in presenting results in written format (Word, Powerpoint) and in weekly meetings

Security Clearance language: Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher is preferred. You may also be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

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, PA. 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 at www.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.

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