LIGO Lab Engineering Intern

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Job Summary

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

For More Information, Please Visit The Laboratory Website

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 experiments (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 writing 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 at a Los Angeles area high school, with a demonstrated interest in an Engineering or science-related field.
• Ability to work in person at the Caltech campus on a weekly basis throughout the school year.
• Basic knowledge of office productivity software (spreadsheets, presentations, 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

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

Hiring Range

$19.50 - $22.00 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at