LIGO Lab Engineering Intern

LIGO Laboratory Engineering Intern

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled undergraduate student for an Engineering Intern role at Caltech campus in Pasadena.

The selected Engineering Intern will have the opportunity to work with world-leading scientists and engineers at LIGO Lab. This is a unique opportunity to have hands-on experience with the processes involved with taking a concept from design to implementation/installation of the LIGO system. The engineering intern will also learn about the various components that constitute the LIGO interferometer. If you have a passion for physics and engineering, astronomy, and cutting-edge technology, this is a chance to see how a National Science Foundation funded facility works and the type of careers available in scientific research. This opportunity is ideal for an undergraduate with experience in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, physics, civil engineering or similar.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA, and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory's mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, education, and public outreach.

NOTE: Only applicants with the ability to work on campus at Caltech in Pasadena for approximately 10 hours per week should apply. This internship does not include housing or travel and applicants unable to work on-campus hours should not apply.

Essential Job Duties

• The engineering intern will work on the engineering of experiments for Advanced LIGO, with the opportunity to collaborate and learn new skills related to:
• Supporting design and assembly of experiment (Solidworks, Altium, ANSYS, Comsol, etc).
• Reading and notating changes to mechanical drawings and documents.
• If a candidate has Solidworks experience, they can also work on updating drawings.
• Helping to set up experiments and carry out measurements (Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Vacuum Systems, Data Analysis, etc).
• Leading problem-solving issues with the running of the experiment.
• Carrying out analysis and interpretation of results.
• Organizing and documenting data and write up analysis and conclusions.
• The intern will work with senior staff to provide technical support for other engineering and science projects at LIGO as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in an Engineering or Science related field.
• Ability to work in-person at Caltech campus on a weekly basis throughout the school year.
• Basic knowledge of office productivity softwares (spreadsheet, presentation and word processing).
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Good problem resolution skills.
• Ability to work in laboratories and wear safety equipment (laser and safety glasses).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hand tools.
• Experience with scientific computation (MATLAB, python, etc).

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover letter summarizing your relevant experience from school or a workplace and why you are interested in LIGO science.