Summer Intern – Materials Engineering

About the role

Summer Intern – Materials Engineering

Focus: Materials research, characterization, and process–structure–property analysis for metal-ceramic matrix surface architectures

Location: West Lafayette, IN (HARF)

Duration: 10–12 weeks (Summer)

Work Authorization / Clearance: U.S. Citizen; must be U.S. clearance eligible

Preferred: Active security clearance

Organization: Advanced manufacturing startup supporting military and commercial programs

Role Summary

INTALUS is seeking a Materials Engineering Summer Intern to support materials R&D, measurement workflows, and characterization for metal-ceramic matrix surface architectures produced on INTALUS directed-energy, multi-axis robotic platforms. This role is measurement- and analysis-facing: specimen handling, microstructural evaluation, metrology, data reduction, and repeatable documentation. The intern will work in close coordination with Manufacturing Engineering personnel who execute machine-side processing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Materials characterization and measurement workflows

Prepare and track specimens through the measurement pipeline (labeling, travelers, chain-of-custody, storage).
Support metallography workflows (sectioning, mounting, grinding/polishing, etching as applicable).
Perform and document characterization tasks (as available): optical microscopy, SEM sample prep/support, hardness testing, surface roughness measurement, dimensional metrology, and infused-zone depth/feature measurements where applicable.
Compile and curate structured datasets tying run IDs and conditions to measured outputs.

2. Process–structure–property analysis

Help analyze relationships between processing conditions and resulting microstructure/properties (trend analysis, repeatability checks, anomaly detection).
Support DOE-style trial planning (measurement plans, controls, repeat runs, and data quality checks).
Produce concise technical summaries suitable for engineering review (tables, plots, standardized reporting templates).

3. Quality system support (AS9100 / ISO 9001 readiness)

Draft and improve controlled documentation for measurement and lab workflows: SOPs, checklists, inspection steps, acceptance criteria, and record templates.
Support traceability and record completeness for materials lots, specimens, and measurement outcomes (objective evidence discipline).
Assist with calibration/verification records for measurement tools and fixtures.

4. CMMC-aligned engineering data practices (Level 1–2)

Support inventory of where technical data is generated/stored/shared for materials measurements and reports.
Help develop checklists and short training aids for engineering cyber hygiene (controlled files, access control expectations, secure transfer habits).

5. Lab safety and operations support

Maintain lab notebooks, equipment readiness checklists, and consumables tracking.
Follow safety procedures for sample prep tools, chemicals, and lab equipment.

What You'll Gain

Hands-on experience with materials characterization workflows applied to defense- and aerospace-relevant manufacturing.
Practical exposure to process–structure–property analysis and disciplined experimental documentation.
Experience building traceable measurement records and controlled lab artifacts aligned to AS9100 / ISO 9001 expectations.
Close collaboration with a startup engineering team in the Purdue Innovation Ecosystem.