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Network Engineer Intern Jobs in State College, PA

IT Endpoint Intern

University Park, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... networking, and cybersecurity. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all ... Configuration, installation, and support of desktop computing equipment as well as programming

Network Engineer Intern information

See State College, PA salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do network engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for network engineer intern in State College, PA is $24.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can a network engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Network Engineer Intern, you can expect to assist with configuring network devices, monitoring network performance, and troubleshooting connectivity issues under the guidance of senior engineers. You may also be involved in documenting network layouts, supporting network upgrades, and participating in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects. This hands-on experience helps you understand real-world network operations and exposes you to industry-standard tools and protocols. Collaborating with IT staff and learning from experienced professionals is a key part of the internship, helping you build both technical and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Engineer Intern, you need a foundational understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and IP addressing, usually supported by coursework in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with network simulation tools (like Cisco Packet Tracer), basic command-line interfaces, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns work efficiently on technical tasks and collaborate with teams. These competencies are essential for supporting network reliability, learning from real-world issues, and contributing meaningfully to IT operations.

What is the difference between Network Engineer Intern vs Network Administrator?

AspectNetwork Engineer InternNetwork Administrator
CredentialsBasic networking certifications, student statusCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentInternship, entry-level tasks, supervisedFull-time, ongoing network management
Industry UsageInternship programs in tech and networking companiesCorporate, enterprise, or service provider networks
Search IntentEntry-level networking roles, internshipsNetwork management, troubleshooting, maintenance

The main difference is that a Network Engineer Intern is a temporary, entry-level position focused on learning and supporting network projects, often requiring basic certifications. In contrast, a Network Administrator is a full-time role responsible for ongoing network operations, requiring more experience and certifications. Interns typically work under supervision, while administrators independently manage network systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Network Engineer Intern jobs in State College, PA?

For Network Engineer Intern jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Network Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Network Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Network Engineer Intern job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,704 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

DevSecOps Digital Engineering Intern

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 622 rated colleges and universities


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 motivated, self-starting Intern to join our Digital Engineering team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State to perform DevSecOps-related functions around software development, cyber security, and/or cloud-native tool management. We will provide you with the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies driving the future of our military, DoD and Intel communities. This position will work out of our State College, PA or Reston, VA offices, and can also be remote/hybrid.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will have the opportunity to:
  • Help design or implement secure, automated infrastructure solutions for high-performance computing environments thru Agile software development and cybersecurity
  • Work as part of our team to perform and review code changes and documentation as needed
  • Work with or help maintain our continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to allow for frequent, trouble-free deployments of code while continuously incorporating Thread Intelligence
  • Configure or optimize various compute, firewall, or network resources and networks including bare metal or environments
  • Coordinate with the team to identify risks, issues, requirements, and design solutions for project-level activity on a daily basis
  • Apply knowledge, skills, & abilities gained in the classroom to our research & development efforts

High interest in candidate who want to support:
  • Linux-based infrastructures or system administration
  • Security profile evaluation and application
  • Ansible, Puppet, or shell/scripting languages
  • Splunk, ELK stack, or Prometheus logging platforms
  • Basic understanding of software virtualization or networking
  • Cybersecurity assessments, incident response, or investigations
  • Security control or policy integration

Other technologies you can explore:
  • DevOps / DevSecOps tools and practices
  • Infrastructure / automation
  • Configuration management via Git, Bitbucket, or GitLab
  • Container / orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Software vulnerability or compliance assessment
  • System security architectures including firewalls, router ACLs (Access Control Lists), web content filters, and Demilitarized Zones (DMZ)
  • Troubleshooting skills with the ability to spot issues before they become problems
  • Effective communication between business and technology areas
  • Well-organized, independent and eager to learn

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 in naval missions and related areas.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at 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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