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Research Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Penn State University

R&D Engineer Intern

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges * Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications * Research and document emerging technologies * Participate in ...

Gorove Slade

Transportation Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

As a Transportation Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside our talented team to tackle complex ... Collaboration experience by working with fellow interns on a meaningful research project. * A ...

GOROVE SLADE

Transportation Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA

$17 - $22.25/hr

As a Transportation Engineering Intern, you'll work alongside our talented team to tackle complex ... Collaboration experience by working with fellow interns on a meaningful research project. * A ...

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How much do research engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for research engineer intern in Washington is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research engineer intern?

To thrive as a Research Engineer Intern, you generally need a solid background in engineering principles, data analysis, and problem-solving, typically supported by progress toward a relevant STEM degree. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, simulation software, and laboratory equipment is often required. Strong communication, initiative, and teamwork skills help interns effectively contribute to research projects and collaborate with senior engineers. These skills and qualities are crucial for applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges and making meaningful contributions in a research-driven environment.

What does a research engineer intern do?

A Research Engineer Intern assists in the development, testing, and analysis of new technologies, products, or processes under the guidance of senior engineers and researchers. Their work may involve conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, building prototypes, and documenting results. The role is typically hands-on and collaborative, offering interns the chance to apply theoretical knowledge from their studies to real-world engineering problems. Research Engineer Interns also gain valuable experience with industry tools and methodologies, and often contribute to ongoing research projects. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in engineering research.

What types of projects can a research engineer intern expect to work on, and how much autonomy is typically given?

As a Research Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on a range of projects that may include developing prototypes, running experiments, or analyzing large datasets to support ongoing research initiatives. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced engineers and researchers, and while tasks may start with guidance, you’ll likely gain more autonomy as you demonstrate your abilities. Many organizations encourage interns to take ownership of a specific component or project deliverable, providing both mentorship and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to published research or product development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Engineer Intern jobs in Washington? For Research Engineer Intern jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Engineer Intern jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Research Engineer Intern jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Research Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Research Engineer Intern job openings:
Research Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Engineer Intern job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,488 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

R&D Engineer Intern

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Cyberspace Operations Research Department Internship

We are searching for a motivated undergraduate student to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This internship will concentrate on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to conduct system vulnerability assessments and enable security hardening support to various sponsors.

Typical focus areas include:

  • Research state-of-the-art techniques for vulnerability detection, system exploitation, and technical mitigations
  • Develop scripts and applications to automate processes
  • Design experiments and set up test environments
  • Conduct experiments and execute demonstrations
  • Testing of representative systems under simulated real-world conditions
  • Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges
  • Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications
  • Research and document emerging technologies
  • Participate in technical presentations and discussions

Interest skills and experience areas include:

  • Familiarity with basic system vulnerability and exploitation concepts
  • Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method
  • Basic proficiency in Linux-based environments
  • Proficiency in programming and scripting languages (C, Python, bash, PowerShell)
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies

You will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours/week over the summer. This is a paid internship opportunity, and location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA, or Reston, VA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Relocation and housing are not provided.

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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