What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Opportunities in Applied Research (SOAR) Intern position at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University?
The Student Opportunities in Applied Research (SOAR) summer internship program enhances the awareness, readiness, fellowship, mentorship, and sponsorship of enterprising students for successful and significant careers in national security, defense, and aerospace organizations, including ARL. The SOAR internship program seeks to create opportunities for and enhance the participation of all students including under-represented students in STEM-related career fields and students who were not previously affiliated with Penn State University and the Applied Research Laboratory.
The 10-week (May to Aug) internship program is paid and includes housing, a meal plan, and travel reimbursement to and from the internship location. The pay rates are dependent on the position and total number of credits completed. Interns work up to 40 hours per week over the summer.
You may apply for any one of the three locations:
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE INTERNSHIPS AT RESTON, VA
Undergraduate students in engineering majors below are encouraged to apply:
Data scientist duties will include researching and developing feasible algorithmic solutions to given large sets of multivariate data. Specifically, you will be engaged in machine learning-based analytic research and the development of large multivariate data sets. Candidates should have experience in large data and machine learning languages/technologies such as Python, TensorFlow, Keras, SPARQ, Hadoop, NiFi, or equivalents.
Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering majors interested in Cyber, Data, and Image Science should love the idea of working on the “pointy end of the spear” of cyber problems. The duties will specifically support this organization’s mission sets related to reverse engineering, cyber analytics, and cyber technology evaluation to work on projects that support our Government Sponsors.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE INTERNSHIPS AT UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
SOAR internships within our Research and Development Engineering Offices are available to undergraduate students and recent 2025 graduates from all majors, and the following majors are highly encouraged to apply:
ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS INTERNSHIPS AT UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
Strong communication and organizational skills are key to working within this team environment for the positions below. In many cases, projects can be decided by the intern.
These positions may include internships in the following areas:
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus on naval missions and related areas.
ARL is committed to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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, affirmative action 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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PA State Labor Law Poster
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The 10-week (May to Aug) internship program is paid and includes housing, a meal plan, and travel reimbursement to and from the internship location. The pay rates are dependent on the position and total number of credits completed. Interns work up to 40 hours per week over the summer.
You may apply for any one of the three locations:
- Research and Development Office Internship (Reston, VA)
- Research and Development Office Internship (University Park, PA)
- Enterprise Operations Internship (University Park, PA)
- Complete the job application link in Workday
- An applicant intake survey form will be emailed within 1-2 weeks upon submission of the job application in Workday. Complete this survey.
- Review and communication of the status of your application will follow 2-3 weeks.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE INTERNSHIPS AT RESTON, VA
Undergraduate students in engineering majors below are encouraged to apply:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science/Analysis
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Science and Technology
- Software Engineering
Data scientist duties will include researching and developing feasible algorithmic solutions to given large sets of multivariate data. Specifically, you will be engaged in machine learning-based analytic research and the development of large multivariate data sets. Candidates should have experience in large data and machine learning languages/technologies such as Python, TensorFlow, Keras, SPARQ, Hadoop, NiFi, or equivalents.
Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering majors interested in Cyber, Data, and Image Science should love the idea of working on the “pointy end of the spear” of cyber problems. The duties will specifically support this organization’s mission sets related to reverse engineering, cyber analytics, and cyber technology evaluation to work on projects that support our Government Sponsors.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE INTERNSHIPS AT UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
SOAR internships within our Research and Development Engineering Offices are available to undergraduate students and recent 2025 graduates from all majors, and the following majors are highly encouraged to apply:
- Acoustics
- Computer Science (Cyber Security, Software Development)
- Data Science (Data Mining, Data Analysis, Machine Learning)
- Engineering (Aerospace, Applied, Chemical, Civil/Environmental, Computer, Electrical, Energy, General, Materials, Mechanical, Nautical/Naval, Software, Systems)
- Mathematics (Actuarial Science, Risk Analysis, Statistics, )
- Materials Science
- Oceanography
- Optics
- Physics
ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS INTERNSHIPS AT UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
Strong communication and organizational skills are key to working within this team environment for the positions below. In many cases, projects can be decided by the intern.
These positions may include internships in the following areas:
- Business Services: Accounting analysis and reconciliations, procurement, contract closeout analysis, and business process assessment and improvements.
- Engineering Services: Supply chain management, facilities, safety and security, logistics, and process operations.
- Human Resources Services: Recruiting, performance management, employee relations, and awards and recognition.
- Security Services: Identity, improve, and implement processes to better safeguard and account for controlled material to ensure compliance with government regulations.
- Information Technology Services: Computing support, networking, systems administration, helpdesk support, and/or cybersecurity.
- Corporate Communications: Support, coordinate, and perform assigned tasks related to the design and implementation of a marketing strategy.
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Computer Information Systems Management
- Drafting & Design
- Finance & Financial Management (Economics)
- Graphic Design
- Human Resources/Services
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Security
- Management Science (Operations, Project, Security, Supply Chain)
- Marketing
- Network Engineering (Networking & Telecommunications)
- Workforce Development
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus on naval missions and related areas.
ARL is committed to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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, affirmative action 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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Affirmative Action
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
Bellefonte, PA
