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Physics Simulation Intern Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Physics Simulation Intern information

What does a physics simulation intern do?

A Physics Simulation Intern assists with developing and testing computer simulations that model physical systems, such as fluid dynamics, mechanics, or electromagnetism. They often work under the guidance of experienced engineers or scientists, using programming languages and specialized software to create realistic simulations for research or product development. Their responsibilities may also include analyzing simulation results, debugging code, and helping to improve simulation accuracy. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in computational physics and software development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics simulation intern?

To thrive as a Physics Simulation Intern, you need a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, and programming, usually supported by coursework or a degree in physics, engineering, or computer science. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, Python libraries (NumPy, SciPy), and tools like COMSOL or ANSYS is often required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and convey complex results. These skills are crucial for accurately modeling physical systems and delivering valuable insights to research or development teams.

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

As a Physics Simulation Intern, you will typically assist in developing, testing, and refining simulation models for physical phenomena, which may include fluid dynamics, particle systems, mechanical interactions, or thermal processes. You'll often work closely with experienced engineers or researchers, contributing to codebases, running simulations, and analyzing results. Collaboration is key, as you'll frequently interact with software developers, physicists, and data analysts to ensure your simulations align with project goals. Expect a mix of independent technical work and team meetings, with opportunities to present your findings and receive feedback.

What is the difference between Physics Simulation Intern vs Physics Engineer?

AspectPhysics Simulation InternPhysics Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate in physics, engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in physics, engineering, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in research labs or tech companiesFull-time engineering teams, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, gaming, simulation firms, research institutionsEngineering firms, aerospace, automotive, gaming industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Physics Simulation Intern and a Physics Engineer lies in experience level, responsibilities, and employment status. Interns typically focus on learning and supporting projects, while engineers take on more complex tasks and design responsibilities within their teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Simulation jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

The most popular types of Physics Simulation jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Physics Simulation Intern jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

For Physics Simulation Intern jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physics Simulation Intern jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Physics Simulation Intern jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Physics Simulation Intern jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Physics Simulation Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Physics Simulation Intern job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory General Engineer

Department of Labor

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Technical Support, Mine Emergency Operations (MEO) Division.
MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining; promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners. MSHA carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.

Qualifications:

In addition to the basic requirements as described in the Education section, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience and/or additional education requirements defined below. If qualifying based on experience, be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume.
Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
For this position, specialized experience is defined as professional engineering work the demonstrates a thorough comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering in the mining industry including knowledge of rock mechanics concepts and methods of experimental stress analysis, underground mining equipment, and a comprehensive knowledge of long-wall mining as practiced in the United States.
Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, experience and skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Specialized experience must include all of the following:

  • Provides engineering expertise and analyzes highly complex technical problems associated with mine emergencies.
  • Manages mine emergency personnel, including training and logical (supplies and equipment) support, and assures mine emergency readiness and preparedness.
  • Experience related to conducting and participating in Mine Emergency Response Drills to simulate actual mine emergencies and provide evaluations and recommendations to appropriate Agency personnel and mine operators.
  • Facilitating a consensus in the face of opposing viewpoints in critical mine safety and health matters.
  • Plans, directs, and reviews the work of subordinate staff, comprised of engineers, scientists and other technical specialists.
Education:

You must meet the Basic Requirements to qualify for Supervisor General Engineer, as described below. Transcripts must be submitted to verify education requirements.
Basic Requirement:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.

If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum coursework requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.

Employment Type: OTHER