Geospatial Engineering Research Intern
Location: Penn State University Park
Time Type: Part time
Job Description
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 seeking a Geospatial Engineering Research Intern to join the Geospatial, Imaging, and Data Sciences Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This division specializes in advanced geospatial analytics, remote sensing, spatial data modeling, imagery exploitation, and decision-support tools that directly support critical national security and defense missions.
Students currently enrolled in a GIS degree or certificate program is preferred. Minimally requires a Master's degree.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
The successful candidate will work up to 80 hours from July 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026.
You will:
- Prepare, process, and analyze raster and vector geospatial datasets, including DEMs, satellite imagery, and environmental data layers used in research workflows
- Utilize ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related tools to develop maps, spatial visualizations, and analytical products for internal research teams and external sponsors
- Conduct exploratory spatial analyses, such as watershed delineation, habitat mapping, terrain modeling, and multi-layer data integration for environmental and operational assessments
- Support geospatial components of modeling and simulation efforts, including data import, transformation, and spatial quality checks
- Assist with generating cartographic products, Story Maps, or geospatial briefings to help communicate technical findings to diverse audiences
- Develop or adapt geospatial scripts using Python for data processing, automation, and spatial analytics workflows
- Collaborate directly with researchers across the division, contributing as a hands‑on team member to ongoing projects in geospatial data science, remote sensing, and imagery analysis
Required Skills:
- Graduate (Certificate or Degree) level coursework in GIS, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, environmental science, mathematics, physics, or engineering.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and common geospatial data formats (e.g., .tif, .kml/.kmz, raster datasets)
- Experience working with satellite imagery, interpreting environmental changes, and performing spatial analysis tasks such as DEM processing and hillshade modeling
- Foundational knowledge of Python for geospatial or scientific workflows and familiarity with writing basic SQL queries for data filtering or extraction
- Strong written communication skills and ability to convey complex spatial information through reports, maps, and digital storytelling platforms (e.g., ESRI Story Maps)
- Strong presentation skills, presenting geospatial and related topics to audiences at various levels of knowledge.
- Background in project coordination/management, time management, and collaborative research environments
Preferred Experience:
- Experience conducting multi‑source spatial research, such as species migration analysis, environmental health assessments, or community impact studies
- Demonstrated ability to manage research datasets, maintain version control, and update information with accuracy and attention to detail (e.g., prior experience managing confidential data)
- Familiarity with basic remote sensing principles such as land cover interpretation, temporal imagery comparison, or environmental change analysis
Additional Information
This is a paid internship.
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 more information, visit www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
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.
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