# R&D Engineer Intern at Penn State

- Company: [Penn State](https://psu.edu)
- Location: University Park, PA
- Type: Internship · Internship
- Posted: 2026-10-23
- Apply: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/psu_staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/R-D-Engineer-Intern_REQ_0000083720-1
- Page: https://newgrad.ai/jobs/r-d-engineer-intern-bca0b01a

## Summary by newgrad.ai

What you'll do:

- Perform material characterization, microstructure imaging, and mechanical testing.
- Assist with thin-film coating and sample preparation tasks.
- Present research findings in written reports and weekly meetings.

What they're looking for:

- Undergraduate students majoring in Materials Science and Engineering.
- Ability to work independently and maintain a consistent schedule.
- U.S. citizenship required for government security clearance eligibility.

Pay and perks:

- Paid internship located on-site in State College, PA.
- Work up to 20 hours weekly during semesters or 40 hours summer.

## Posting

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 Advanced Manufacturing Process Development Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.  This internship will concentrate on material characterization and material processing in the laboratory.

Typical focus areas include:

Primary:

- Microstructure imaging and analysis

- X-Ray diffraction

- Mechanical testing

Secondary:

- Thin-film coating

- Sample prep

Students majoring in the following fields are encouraged to apply:

- Materials Science and Engineering

Interest Skills/Experience areas include:

- Material Characterization: Metallography, microscopy (optical and SEM), XRD, hardness testing, and more

- Materials Science: Processing-Microstructure-Properties relationships in metals and ceramics

- Additive manufacturing (a.k.a. 3D printing), powder processing, corrosion

- Ability to work independently and maintain a predictable work schedule

- Past success in presenting results in written format (Word, Powerpoint) and in weekly meetings

- 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.

From Penn State's public posting, laid out for reading by newgrad.ai with the wording unchanged. Check the original before you apply.

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