Careers

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory is committed to providing opportunities for K-12 students to engage in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) activities. These activities and programs are designed to inspire and excite students, and motivate them to pursue STEM higher education and eventual STEM career pathways.

The Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP)

AEOP is managed through a youth science cooperative agreement with Battelle Memorial Institute. Through AEOP, the Army continues its long tradition and strong commitment to the advancement of STEM education and literacy. Leveraging its most valuable assets – world-class scientists and engineers and research facilities – AEOP offers our nation’s youth and teachers a collaborative, cohesive portfolio of opportunities that effectively engage future workforce generations in meaningful, real-world STEM experiences, competitions and paid internships. Visit http://www.usaeop.com for detailed information on all Army sponsored STEM enrichment activities, national competitions, apprenticeships and DOD scholarship and award programs.

AEOP Programs offered through ARL

Gains in the Education of and Mathematics and Science (GEMS)

GEMS is a program that immerses middle and high school students in multi-disciplinary, age appropriate hands-on activities, led by Army scientists, engineers and Soldiers. ARL sponsors several GEMS programs each summer at three geographic locations: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Adelphi Laboratory Center, MD and White Sands Missile Range, NM. Students who successfully participate in GEMS qualify for an educational stipend.

• Duration: Primarily one week sessions from June through August only.
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via https://www.usaeop.com/program/gems/

GEMS Near Peer Mentors (NPM)

High school and college students from all STEM fields and education-related majors, are hired to help develop, explain and execute teaching modules in the GEMS program. They are selected for their technical experience, attitude and teaching skills and are responsible to act as role models for GEMS students, promote interest in pursuing higher level science and math classes, and act as resources concerning college life and career pathways. NPMs receive stipends of varying amounts depending on experience, prior research and academic grade.

• Duration: One or more weeks from June through August only.
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via http://www.usaeop.com/programs/stem-enrichment-activities/gems/
  • Students must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old to qualify for SEAP.
  • Students are responsible for providing their own transportation and housing.

Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)

SEAP matches talented high school students with scientists and engineers in a direct mentor-student relationship that provides students with “hands-on” experience in a professional research setting. At the end of the apprenticeship, students prepare and present final reports based on their experience. SEAP students who successfully complete their apprenticeship are awarded an education stipend.

• Duration: 8-10 weeks during June through August only
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via http://www.usaeop.com/programs/apprenticeships/seap/
  • Students must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old to qualify for SEAP.
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation and housing.

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)

HSAP provides rising high school juniors and seniors with a science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office (ARO). The program provides the mechanism to expose new students to research opportunities in the sponsored lab. This commuter program provides a stipend and the student is required to produce an abstract documenting the research they performed during the apprenticeship.

• Duration: Students may work up to 300 hours total during June through August only.
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via http://www.usaeop.com/programs/apprenticeships/hsap/
  • Students must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old to qualify for HSAP.
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation and housing.

Junior Solar Sprint Regional Competition (JSS)

JSS is an educational program for 5th through 8th grade students with the goal of creating the fastest, most interesting and best crafted solar-vehicle possible. Using engineering skills and principles of science and math, students in teams of 2-3 each, work together to design, build and race their solar powered cars. ARL hosts a Regional JSS Competition annually in April at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. The winning team receives a paid berth to compete in the National JSS Competition as well as paid travel and lodging expenses.

• Requirements:
  • Students, Coaches and Volunteers must apply via http://www.usaeop.com/programs/competitions/jss/
  • Students must adhere to the design, construction and display rules defined on the website in order to qualify.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory is committed to inspiring, developing and recruiting undergraduate and graduate students by providing internship opportunities that enhance their traditional college experience. Students have the opportunity to work alongside DEVCOM ARL scientists and engineers performing cutting edge Army research, within state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

The Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP)

AEOP is managed through a youth science cooperative agreement with Battelle Memorial Institute. Through AEOP, the Army continues its long tradition and strong commitment to the advancement of STEM education and literacy. Leveraging its most valuable assets – world-class scientists and engineers and research facilities – AEOP offers our nation’s youth and teachers a collaborative, cohesive portfolio of opportunities that effectively engage future workforce generations in meaningful, real-world STEM experiences, competitions and paid internships. Visit http://www.usaeop.com for detailed information on all Army sponsored STEM enrichment activities, national competitions, apprenticeships and DOD scholarship and award programs.

AEOP Programs offered through ARL

College Qualified Leaders (CQL)

ARL matches talented undergraduate students with scientists and engineers in a direct mentor-student relationship, that provides the student with training, firsthand research experience and exposure to DoD laboratories that is unparalleled at most colleges. The program’s goal is to enhance the participants’ formal learning experience and foster the desire to pursue higher education and training in STEM. Selected participants receive a stipend based on education and experience.

• Duration: Available year round; primarily designed for greater than six month work study-internships however, summer internships are also available.
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via http://www.usaeop.com/programs/apprenticeships/cql/
  • Students must be enrolled as an undergraduate or be a recent graduate (within the past 6 months) in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) major
  • Students must be U.S. citizens and are responsible for their own transportation and housing.

Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)

URAP is a commuter program that provides undergraduate students with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office (ARO). Students develop skills in Army critical science and engineering research areas in a university lab setting. At the end of the apprenticeship, students will prepare abstracts documenting the research they performed. Students will receive an education stipend while participating.

• Duration: Students may work up to 300 hours total from June through August only.
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via http://www.usaeop.com/programs/apprenticeships/urap/
  • Students with recent prior affiliation with a specific laboratory may not be eligible to participate. (Prior affiliation includes direct employment, past compensated research (e.g. REU, other funded research, or research for course credit).

DoD Programs offered through ARL

Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART)

SMART is a Scholarship for Service Program that provides the opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion. SMART is offered throughout Army, Air Force, Navy and other DOD sponsoring facilities spanning multiple states. Students pursuing degrees in approximately 19 STEM disciplines may apply. ARL is one of more than 50 participating Army Sponsoring Facilities.

Full tuition and education related fees (housing and meal plans not included) Stipend paid at a rate of $25K – $38K depending on degree pursuing. Health insurance allowance up to $1.2K per calendar year and miscellaneous supplies allowance of $1K per academic year.

• Duration: Student participates in mentored summer research internships through completion of degree; employment placement after graduation
• Requirements:
  • Students must apply via: http://smart.asee.org
  • Students must be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application
  • Students must be 18 years of age or older as of August 1 of the application year.
  • Students will participate in summer internships at DOD laboratories and accept post-grad employment with the DOD
  • Students need minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of award and must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines listed on the About SMART page.

University Programs Brochure

ARL’s Research Associateship Program (RAP) prepares science and engineering researchers for the future. Fellowship recipients are able to advance at a top research facility while contributing to the important mission of the Laboratory.

STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP)

The SSEP is direct hire authority for students enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in an academic program in pursuit of Scientific, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical (STEM) courses of study leading to a bachelor’s or advanced degree. SSEP Interns may work either part-time or full-time, as long as it does not interfere with their academic schedule. The purpose of this program is to streamline the hiring process which allows ARL to successfully compete with private industry for high caliber STEM students when filling scientific and engineering positions. SSEP interns who have successfully completed the program may be noncompetitively converted flexible length renewable term or permanent career ladder positions in the competitive service at the ARL Director’s discretion.

Eligibility

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• A current student who is enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in a program of undergraduate or graduate instruction leading to a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a STEM course of study at ABET institution of higher education, and includes those enrolled in a 2-year university parallel (or equivalent) program designed specifically for transfer to a 4-year institution. Students must also meet OPM Qualifications for Professional and Scientific positions.
• Students must be enrolled on a full or half-time basis (half-time is defined by the educational institution in which the student is enrolled).
• Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Internship Appointment Types

• Temporary Not-To-Exceed (NTE) appointment for up to one year. Appointment may be extended upon management’s request for up to one additional year for a total of two years.
• Flexible Length Student Term Appointment. This appointment has no end date but does expire 120 days after degree completion.

Benefits

SSEP interns may earn 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave each pay period (prorated for part-time work schedules). SSEP interns are ineligible for life and health insurance benefits. Tuition assistance and relocation incentives may apply for Flexible Length Student Term Interns only. These are not guaranteed benefits and must be pre-approved by management.

Program Administration

• Interns must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
• Intern’s job must be related to the Intern’s academic career goals or field of study as well as ARL’s mission.
• Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale throughout the program.

Program Completion and Conversion

• Both temporary and flexible length student term appointed interns may be eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a renewable term (up to 6 years) or permanent appointment within 120 days of successful completion of the program and graduation requirements.
• To be eligible for conversion, Interns must:Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the SSEP Internship
  • Complete their degree requirements
  • Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted
  • Meet agency-specific requirements as specified in the Participant’s Agreement
  • Receive a rating of “Successful” or higher on their performance appraisal

How to Apply

• Resume (Please ensure a detailed description of duties accomplished is stated in your work experience and the start and end dates of employment are in the MM/DD/YYYY format)
• Documentation of student status (e.g. unofficial transcripts or enrollment verification letter; new students must provide a copy of the acceptance letter from the institution). Redact Social Security Numbers from all documentation, if possible.
• NOTE: Incomplete applications will NOT be considered

Internship opportunities will be posted here when available. Please check this page regularly for upcoming announcements.

Announcements for specific recruitment events will be open at least one day before the event takes place and close midnight of the last day of the event. Please check this page or your school’s recruitment event calendar for more information.

The objective of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) program is to address the projected shortfall of scientists and engineers among the diverse populations of the 21st century, leverage HBCU/MI technical capabilities to fulfill DEVCOM ARL requirements, and expand the involvement of HBCU/MIs in ongoing research at ARL.

DOD HBCU/MI Programs offered through ARL

Currently under construction…

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory’s Fellowship Programs prepare science and engineering researchers for the future. Fellowship recipients are able to advance at a top research facility through meaningful science education and research experiences while contributing to the important mission of the Laboratory.

Depending on the type of Fellowship and the needs of a specific Fellow, DEVCOM ARL can offer a stipend, health insurance stipend supplement, relocation allowance and travel allowance. Fellowships are provided at all DEVCOM ARL geographic locations and are made available to both U.S. non-U.S. citizens.

DEVCOM ARL is committed to providing a Fellowship program that maintains a constant influx of new ideas and fresh perspectives that help to keep ARL on the leading edge of science and technology. ARL brings in recent Ph.Ds or Sc.Ds and select undergraduates to conduct high impact basic and applied research under the guidance of an ARL advisor.

The program operates year round to provide the Directorates maximum flexibility and ranges from number of weeks to a year. Renewal option is available for most Fellows up to a maximum of three years.

DEVCOM ARL Fellowships are managed through two cooperative agreements:

Oakridge Associated Universities (ORAU)

• Postdoctoral Fellow – less than 5 years post PhD
• Postdoctoral Fellow – less than 5 years post PhD
• Senior Fellow – more than 5 years post PhD
• Short Term Fellow – a Postdoc or Senior Fellow at ARL for up to 20 weeks
• Journeyman Fellow – non-PhD (holds undergraduate degree; or working on grad degree)
• Summer Student Experience Program – undergraduate student or non-PhD (holds undergraduate degree; or working on grad degree)

For additional information, visit: http://www.orau.org/arlfellowship/

National Research Council (NRC)

• Postdoctoral Fellow – less than 5 years post PhD
• Senior Fellow – more than 5 years post PhD
• Short Term Fellow – a Postdoc or Senior Fellow at ARL for up to 20 weeks
• Davies Fellow – teaches at USMA and conducts research at ARL
• ARL Distinguished Fellow – currently being established – a three year program managed and selected by ARL Fellows – awardee will select their own technical research problem

For additional information, visit: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/rap/

DOD Fellowship Program

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship

NDSEG is a highly competitive, portable fellowship that is awarded to U.S. citizens and nationals who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in one of fifteen supported disciplines. NDSEG confers high honors upon its recipients, and allows them to attend whichever U.S. institution they choose. The NDSEG Fellowship is sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), under the direction of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering). Participants receive full tuition and all mandatory fees, a monthly stipend and up to $1K in medical insurance.

• Duration: Three years
• Requirements:
  • Students apply via: http://ndseg.asee.org
  • Students must have demonstrated the ability and special aptitude for advanced training in science and engineering
  • Fellowships are awarded to applicants who will pursue a doctoral degree in, or closely related to, an area of DOD interest within one fifteen STEM disciplines

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory is committed to exploiting research opportunities with university and industry partners through Education Partnership Agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements and Cooperative Agreements.

Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA)

DEVCOM ARL supports the establishment and implementation of activities and programs that stimulate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Additionally, DEVCOM ARL encourages students to select and continue their education in the fields of STEM to increase the technical talent base available to DEVCOM ARL research and development efforts.

The purpose of EPAs is to encourage and enhance education and research opportunities in STEM disciplines relevant to DEVCOM ARL science and technology programs. Foreign nationals are eligible to participate in DEVCOM ARL EPAs.

• Duration: The opportunity is available year round under an active EPA to provide DEVCOM ARL maximum flexibility.
• Requirements:
  • EPAs are authorized under the following statutes:
    • 10 U.S.C. Section 2194 (which authorizes the Directors of Defense laboratories to enter into educational partnership agreements to encourage and enhance study in scientific disciplines, and ensure that priorities for the establishment of education agreements are given in accordance with 10 U.S.C. Section 2194(c) and (d);
    • 10 U.S.C. Section 2195 (which authorizes the establishment of cooperative education programs for undergraduate and graduate education).

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)

A written agreement between one or more federal laboratories and one or more non-federal parties under which the government, through its laboratories, provides personnel, facilities, equipment or other resources with or without reimbursement (but not funds to non-federal parties). The opportunity is available for Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s, PhD participants and faculty up to expiration date of the CRADA. DEVCOM ARL has active CRADAs in place with hundreds of universities and industry partners.

• Duration: The opportunity is available year round under an active CRADA to provide ARL maximum flexibility and ranges from a number of weeks to a year.
• Requirements:
  • The non-federal parties provide personnel, funds, services, facilities, equipment or other resources to conduct specific research or development efforts that are consistent with the mission of the laboratory.
  • The partner organization (not ARL) pays for salary and living expenses during an internship.
  • ARL provides office space and access to facilities.

Cooperative Agreement (CA)

A legal instrument that is used to support and stimulate the advancement of science and technology through cooperation with external partners. Under a CA, substantial involvement is expected between the ARL and the partner when carrying out collaborative research. CAs are used when the parties wish to work together on the same project, sharing each party’s expertise, staff, facilities and equipment. ARL has hundreds of active CAs in place with universities and industry partners.

• Duration: The opportunity is available year round under an active CA to provide the campaigns maximum flexibility and ranges from a number of weeks to a year. Opportunity is available for Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s, PhD participants and faculty up to expiration date of the CA.
• Requirements:
  • The partner organization (not ARL) pays for salary and living expenses for an internship.
  • ARL provides office space and access to facilities.
  • Funds may be passed from ARL to the partner, but the partner may not provide funds to ARL.