R&D Engineering Intern

About the Role

The Systems and Emerging Capabilities (SEC) Division in the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking Engineering Interns. This position offers the opportunity to apply skills to real-world engineering problems in the undersea domain. SEC focuses on innovation for advanced capabilities in Undersea Weapons and Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW). Work involves autonomy, battery technology, motor development, flight dynamics and controls, systems engineering, underwater robotics, and prototype system integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist engineers and researchers with the design, development, and testing of robotic and autonomous systems.
• Support hardware integration, system troubleshooting, and laboratory experimentation.
• Develop software tools, scripts, or algorithms to support research objectives.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize experimental data.
• Document technical findings, test results, and development activities.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and project meetings.
• Contribute to prototype development and field testing activities.
• Present project outcomes and recommendations at the conclusion of the internship.
• Be assigned to one or more engineering teams.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and ability to work across disciplines.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

What You Will Experience

• Hands-on experience working on real-world engineering and robotics challenges.
• Exposure to advanced research and development methodologies.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers and technical leaders.
• Opportunities to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Professional development through technical presentations and project reviews.
• Experience contributing to technologies with meaningful operational impact.

Location & Work Schedule

• Paid internship opportunity.
• Fully on-site in State College, PA.
• Work up to 20 hours/week during fall and spring semesters.
• Opportunity to work up to 40 hours/week over the summer.
• Relocation and housing are not provided.

Additional Information

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance is required.
• Must participate in the ARL drug testing program.
• Must comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements.
• Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted.