Pennsylvania State University - Freeport, PA
posted 3 months ago
Full-time - Intern
Onsite - Freeport, PA
Educational Services
About the position
The Optical Engineering Intern position at the Electro-Optics & Electronics Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is designed for advanced undergraduate or graduate-level students. The intern will support High Energy Laser (HEL), Opto-Mechanical, and Electro-Optical (EO) system development programs, primarily for military and intelligence community customers. This role involves hands-on laboratory work, design, and analysis of optical components, and requires effective communication of results.
Responsibilities
- Support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components, data collection, analysis, and modeling.
- Design, assemble, align and exercise opto-mechanical components and systems.
- Provide Computer Aided Design (CAD) support for optical experimental test fixture design.
- Communicate and document results in reports and presentations.
Requirements
- Upperclass (junior or senior) undergraduate and graduate-level students studying Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Optics, Physics, Materials Science or similar programs.
- Strong science and mathematics foundation.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, CCD cameras, and opto-mechanical accessories.
- Background coursework and understanding of optics, including 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.
Benefits
- Paid internship opportunity.
- Hands-on experience in a research environment.
