Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.
What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Electronics, and we do it by creating world-class Electronic systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex Electronic systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Electronics.
Job Responsibilities:
Must be eligible under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to support Magna Electronics' thermal camera product line
Position Overview
Magna's thermal technologies are shaping an autonomous future and improving lives.

• As part of the Core Thermal Sensing team, the student intern will assist the systems and hardware engineering teams in the development and testing of next generation Thermal Sensing cameras related to creating safer automobile systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform systems testing of products on bench and in vehicles making sure the product functions and performs as the customer expects per requirements.
• Analyze infrared image data to understand noise, drift, stability, or other behaviors.
• Build small scripts or tools to visualize and explore system behavior.
• Develop metrics or simple models that help explain what the sensor is doing.
• Design and run focused investigations of specific technical phenomena.
• Summarize findings using plots, short writeups, or demo notebooks.
• Collaborate with engineers and researchers across disciplines.
• Support and participate in Demo activities in Vehicle and Bench.
• Own one primary investigation and present results in a capstone demo at the end of the internship.

Qualifications:

• This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States.
• Willingness to work directly with hardware, test equipment, and experimental setups.
• Comfort learning new tools and working in a lab or test environment.
• Ability to work on site in Goleta, California, for the duration of the internship.

Education / Experience

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• At least one year of relevant coursework or project experience.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

• Interest in hands-on engineering, testing, or experimental work
• Experience with lab setups, optical testing, mechanical systems, or hardware projects
• Familiarity with basic scripting or automation (Python or similar)
• Comfort assembling, modifying, or troubleshooting physical systems
• Ability to document procedures and results clearly
• Enjoyment of practical problem solving and iteration
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer.
• Ability to work in an engineering laboratory environment including sitting, standing, moving items up to 20lbs, reaching and operating scientific electrical equipment.

Pay Scale:
Freshman $17.00
Sophomore$20.00
Junior$22.00
Senior$24.00
Masters$26.00
PHD$38.00
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure
As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.
Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.
Worker Type:
Student / Co-Op
Group:
Magna Electronics