Student Programs

Student Programs

We support national security and quality of life through education and scientific discovery.

By joining our team, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and best-in-class mentors as well as being part of Penn State, one of the country’s most respected research institutions.

ARL needs the creativity and perspective of emerging STEM talent in order to fulfill our mission. We know that everyone with the skills and desire must be encouraged to enter the science and technology fields if our nation is to maintain its technological preeminence in the future.

At ARL, we are striving to do our part to help grow an innovative, agile and resilient workforce and also support the transition from undergraduate studies in science and engineering fields to graduate level programs and subsequent employment in the technology areas critical to our nation’s defense.

UNDERGRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

All of ARL’s internship programs are paid, provide real project experience, and can serve as a pathway to full time employment after you graduate.

Academic Year
Internship

16 weeks

  • Up to 20 hours per week
  • Gain practical, hands-on experience by applying your classroom knowledge to real-world situations, explore potential career paths, and develop relevant professional skills

Summer
Internship

10-12 weeks

  • Up to 40 hours per week
  • Gain practical, hands-on experience by applying your classroom knowledge to real-world situations, explore potential career paths, and develop relevant professional skills. Take part in additional professional development and network-building programming

Co-op
Internship

20-28 weeks

  • Up to 40 hours per week
  • Deepen your practical skills, build professional networks, and enhance career readiness in cooperation with your academic program.
Explore opportunities now

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Walker Graduate Assistant Program

The Walker Graduate Assistant program helps future scientists and engineers pursuing research-based graduate degrees reach their educational and professional goals. This paid opportunity allows students to augment their studies with hands-on research in disciplines aligned with ARL’s mission.

How do I qualify?

In order to qualify for the Walker Graduate Assistant program, you must be accepted into the Penn State Graduate School. Walker students typically earn their Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in an engineering-related graduate program. While in the program, you’ll be based in one of Penn State’s colleges, as ARL is not a degree-granting research unit.

The most competitive candidates will achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in their junior or senior years of their undergraduate degree.

ARL is committed to our employee’s health and well-being by supporting Penn State initiatives, local health officials, and government leaders in preventing COVID-19 in the workplace.

Our employees whose work or research can be done remotely, from home, are doing so. We have also given the opportunity of a flexible work schedule to assist our employees who have other obligations to consider. For those whose work or research requires them to be in our laboratories, offices, or on campus, we are following all protocols necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory mask training, strict safety procedures, and a network of contacts for reporting any ill-feeling symptoms.

As new employees join our workforce, the above guidelines apply. 

You can be confident that we will maintain our vigilant enforcement of all COVID-19 protocols in our workplace to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

Our strength comes from our people… we are a diverse group of professionals who hail from all over this great Nation, with all kinds of experience and expertise. As a team, we will get through this together with patience, diligence, vigilance, and resilience.