2025 EOL Summer Undergraduate Program for Engineering Research (SUPER) Internship

Job Description Summary:

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL) seeks undergraduate engineering students to participate as interns in the Summer Undergraduate Program for Engineering Research (SUPER).


The 2025 SUPER internship will run for 11 weeks, from May 19 – August 1, 2025.


Interns work hands-on with NCAR/EOL engineers on developing atmospheric observing systems such as radar, lidar, and sounding systems and associated software developments involving data analysis, visualization, and management. Each intern is matched to a unique engineering research project involving an EOL observational platform to promote learning, contribution in their field of study, and exposure to atmospheric science applications.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Job Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Term - Casual (Fixed Term)

Hourly Rate: $22.79/hour

Application Notes

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type:  In Person

Interns are required to be available and on-site for the entire duration of the internship (11 weeks)

Position Term:  The 2025 SUPER internship will run for 11 weeks, from May 19 – August 1, 2025. Interns are expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) during the 11-week summer program

Work Authorization:  Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position

Application Deadline: 1/20/2025

Required application materials: Resume that includes GPA

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
 

What You Will Do

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research: Interns will be chosen to work on selected projects based on their skills and academic background. They will collaborate closely with EOL engineers to contribute to real-world research and development. Engineering projects at NCAR are unique each year.

• Reports and Presentations: At the conclusion of the summer program, each intern prepares a poster presentation of their work.

• Community and Professional Behavior: SUPER interns work, reside together, and are part of a larger UCAR and NCAR summer interns community.  SUPER interns are expected to contribute positively to the UCAR/NCAR community, conduct themselves appropriately and professionally, and adhere to UCAR’s Code of Conduct.  Interns are expected to participate fully during regular office hours, SUPER functions, and while traveling for the internship.

• Each intern will have an assigned mentor and will interact with other summer interns.

Previous SUPER interns have made significant contributions to a variety of projects: 

* Designed object-oriented software for controlling particle analysis instruments 

* Developed wind profiling radar receivers and characterized their performance 

* Upgraded software for processing and quality control of atmospheric-sounding data 

* Evaluated amplifier components for ground-based LIDAR platforms

* Designed and characterized multilayer aircraft radomes for atmospheric radar applications

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
 

Education and Experience (Required):

• MUST be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in sophomore year or above (no Freshman) in an accredited US university or college with a major/concentration in any of the following disciplines:

• Computer Science or Software Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Optical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Other engineering or mixed engineering disciplines 

The majority of projects demand skills typically found in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering disciplines. 

However, limited opportunities may exist for interns with specialized knowledge in optical or mechanical engineering.

Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:

• Have completed two or three years of relevant college courses, have some basic research and programming experience, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 5.0 scale).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Ability to work full-time (40 hours per week) during the 11-week summer program

• Basic knowledge, through coursework, of engineering concepts.

• Good problem-solving skills.

• Ability and willingness to learn and use scientific and engineering computing tools and programs.

• Ability to work with diverse staff.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to interact with mentors and peers in a manner that supports collaboration and inquiry.

• Knowledge of basic office and communication software (e.g., G+ suite, email clients).

• Ability and willingness to work within the guidelines and policies of the organization and assigned work groups.

Note About Housing:

SUPER interns reside together in EOL-paid apartments in Boulder, CO, within biking distance of the NCAR Foothills Campus. Projects at EOL’s Research Aviation Facility(RAF) at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) will require the intern to have their car or use public transportation. SUPER interns receive an hourly wage and travel support if they travel to Boulder for the internship. SUPER interns who may be local to the Boulder area and leasing their housing may receive a predetermined stipend to assist with leasing costs. Note that housing benefits are considered taxable income.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

Some Final Considerations

At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science  problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.