Job Description
Job DetailsJob Location: IALR CMA - Danville, VA 24540Position Type: InternshipEducation Level: Not SpecifiedTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: ResearchAPPLICATION ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
Interested in machining, additive manufacturing, engineering optimization, and hands‑on process development? Join the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) for a summer internship supporting both the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AMCOE) and the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) Optimization Team. This internship offers practical, real-world experience contributing to machining improvements, additive manufacturing workflows, and industry‑driven engineering initiatives. This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data, and candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
• Support machining improvement projects, including tool‑life studies and process parameter development
• Assist with workflow refinement, machine‑tool data collection, and engineering trials
• Contribute to Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) efforts and additive build preparation
• Participate in post‑processing evaluations and performance data analysis
• Document results, summarize findings, and support translation of results into industry improvements
• Work collaboratively with AMCOE and CMA teams on applied engineering tasks
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Hands‑on experience with CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and optimization techniques
• Practical understanding of integrated additive and subtractive manufacturing workflows
• Skills in data collection, performance analysis, documentation, and process refinement
• Professional experience supporting industry‑aligned engineering projects
• Exposure to real‑world applications of manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering principles
PROGRAM DETAILS
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Schedule: Approximately 28 hours per week, up to a maximum of 224 hours
• Compensation: $15 per hour / $3,360 total stipend
• Location: In-person at IALR (Danville, VA)
• Eligibility: U.S. citizenship required
OTHER DETAILS
IALR reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the internship program. Modifications may include a shortened timeframe with a pro‑rated adjustment to compensation, alternate assignments, or adjustments to work-site location. Internships are primarily in-person. The IALR Internship Program does not provide local housing or a housing allowance.
QualificationsELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
•To be considered for the 2026 IALR Internship Program, applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:
•Be a high school graduate (may be graduating Spring 2026) with plans to attend college in Fall 2026
•Be a current undergraduate or graduate student
•Be a recent college graduate (within the past 12 months)
INTERNSHIP TIMELINE
•Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM (EST)
•Candidate Interviews (Microsoft Teams): April 16–17, 2026
•Intern Selection Notifications: April 30, 2026
Please note: IALR internships are highly competitive, and not all applicants will be invited to interview.
MANDATORY PROGRAM DATES
•Intern Orientation (required for all interns): June 1, 2026 OR June 8, 2026
•Mandatory Internship Luncheon and Final Presentations: July 24, 2026
TIME COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
•Interns must complete a total of 224 hours by August 10, 2026
•The internship is designed as an 8-week program served in consecutive weeks
•Interns are permitted ONE unpaid week off during the program
•Except for this one week, interns are expected to work continuously
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
All applicants must submit ONE letter of recommendation as part of the application process. The letter will be reviewed in addition to application responses. The letter must be received by March 20, 2026.
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
Letters of recommendation can be provided by email or address. The details are below:
Email:
hr@ialr.org
Mail:
ATTN: HR – Internship
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
150 Slayton Avenue
Danville, VA 24540
LETTER REQUIREMENTS
The letter must include:
• The reference’s relationship to the applicant
• Length of time the reference has known the applicant
• Comments on the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the internship
• Any concerns that may prevent successful completion of the internship