Engineering Intern

This position is located in Livingston, LA. This role is in-person with flexible hours, approximately 10-15 per week (year-round).

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 Engineering Intern to join its team.

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, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu  

Job Summary

The selected Engineering Intern will have the opportunity to work with world-leading scientists and engineers at LIGO Livingston Observatory. 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, construction, physics, civil engineering or similar.

Essential Job Duties

• Participate in the assembly of various mechanical systems that will be part of the next LIGO upgrades.
  • Once trained, assembly work will occur in an ISO 5/Class 100 cleanroom environment.
• Reading and notating changes to mechanical drawings and documents
  • If a candidate has solidworks experience, they can also work on updating drawings.
• Participate in delicate, hands-on work, up-close with the LIGO instrument, during installation periods.
• Assist with performing Quality Assurance/Quality control on incoming parts.
• Assist with inventory and upkeep of contamination control equipment. 
• Organize and document data and write up analysis and conclusions.
• The intern will work with LLO staff to provide support for other engineering and science projects at LIGO as needed. 

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in an Engineering or Science related field.
• Ability to work in person at LIGO Livingston Observatory campus for approximately 10 hours per week.
• Basic knowledge of office software (spreadsheet, presentation and word processing).
• Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Good interpersonal communication skills
• Good problem resolution skills
• Ability to work in laboratories and in a cleanroom environment, and wear safety equipment (laser and safety glasses). 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience of working in a lab/cleanroom environment
• Ability to read and understand technical documentation and technical drawings.
• Some Solidworks experience.
• Experience with hand tools (calipers, wrenches, torque wrenches, go/no go gauges, taps, etc.) 

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter explaining/summarizing your relevant experience and interest in working at LIGO Lab's Livingston Observatory.