Position Description

Engineering Intern - High School
Job Category Occasional
ExemptOvertimeEligible Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible Non-Benefit Based
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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.

Job Summary

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled high-school student Engineering Intern to join its team.  

This position is in-person located on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, California and offers a student up to 10 hours per week year-round to learn from our team of engineering experts.

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: www.ligo.caltech.edu

Caltech HR diversity page 

Essential Job Duties

  • The engineering intern will work on the engineering of experiments for Advanced LIGO.
  • Support design and assembly of experiment.
  • Problem-solve issues with the running of the experiment.
  • Help to set up experiments and carry out measurements.
  • Carry out analysis and interpretation of results.
  • Organize and document data and write up analysis and conclusions from.
  • The intern will work with senior staff to provide technical support for other engineering and science projects at LIGO as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a high school local to the greater Los Angeles area.
  • Ability to work in person at Caltech campus for 10 hours per week.
  • Basic knowledge of office productivity software (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

Hiring Range

$18.50 - $21.25 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 benefits and staff perks. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu. 

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