Internship Development Section Head

Job Description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Internship Section Head/Electrical Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.

The Internship Section Head/Electrical Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing SARA's comprehensive internship program, aligned with the organization's mission of preparing students to become successful contributors.

This role also includes supporting electrical measurement and diagnostic activities across lab environments, working with test systems and diagnostic tools, operating test equipment, implementing standard test procedures, and conducting basic diagnostic measurements. We seek an engineer eager to develop expertise in measurement techniques and diagnostic systems, with opportunities to grow technical capabilities under the guidance of experienced engineers.

Core Responsibilities:

Internship Program

Recruit engineering and physics students

Identify existing project opportunities for intern integration

Match intern skills with appropriate project roles

Develop individual intern growth plans

Track intern performance and skill development

Collaborate with engineers to support intern placement

Diagnostics Engineer

Assist technical leadership with diagnostic field (off-site) and lab (on-site) testing

Support highly technical engineering and scientific teams during field test activities when necessary (moderate travel is required on occasion)

Write detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation

Ensure fidelity of measurements and acquisition of data

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics

1-6 years of experience in engineering management

Ability to assess intern technical capabilities

Skills in talent mapping and development

Must be available for up to 25% travel in support of testing or other customer requirements

Willing to work odd hours when needed – associated with travel/field testing

Self-motivation and the willingness to develop new skills and ask questions

Capability to work and think independently

Hands-on test and debugging experience with knowledge of standard test equipment (e.g. oscilloscope, logic analyzer, signal generator)

Experience with data processing software including Excel, MATLAB, and Mathcad

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance

May require moderate physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 25 pounds

Working environment is mostly indoor, can be moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated, moderate physical hazards may exist

Key Objectives:

Strategically place interns in meaningful project roles

Facilitate technical skill growth

Support SARA's talent pipeline development

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Active DoD Top Secret or DoE Q clearance

Electrical circuit simulation, schematic capture, and layout skills

Basic programming experience (e.g. C++, C#, Python)

Some LABVIEW exposure/experience

Experience in growing and mentoring teams

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs

A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)

Tuition & certification reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary Employee bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $80,000 to $120,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: May 14, 2025

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Full-time