The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is the world’s most advanced solar observatory. We are seeking an Engineering Intern to play a vital role in developing, building and testing instruments and components that ensure the reliability of mission-critical systems and help drive discoveries that deepen our understanding of the Sun.

This position is located in Boulder, on the University of Colorado’s east campus. This is a summer/fall semester internship working 30-40 hours a week.

General Description of Position:

The Engineering physics Intern will work closely with the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) scientists, engineers and technicians to support the design, development, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of instrumentation systems and components that are crucial for observational and data collection capabilities. A hands-on learning experience for students in a unique setting, contributing directly to solar research and technology development.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA’s National Solar Observatory (NSO), Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) completed construction and started operations on November 2021 on the summit of Haleakala in Hawaii. DKIST is the world's largest and most advanced solar telescope.

Essential Functions:

• Support the design, development, and installation of optical, mechanical, and/or electronics hardware and systems.
• Support the troubleshooting and maintenance of optical, mechanical, and/or electronics hardware and systems.
• Documenting progress and changes to systems.
• Procurement of parts and equipment.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/ Skills/Abilities:

•  Must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university; Engineering Physics, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• program and completed the first year of college.
• Basic knowledge of optical/mechanical/electrical systems
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong foundation in engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Availability to travel and work on-site (DKIST Haleakala Observatory) if needed during the internship.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more.
• There will be occasional working at height utilizing appropriate PPE.
• The position will be based at the Haleakala (DKIST) facility and ability to work at 10,000’ elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.

Salary Range

$20.00- $25.00 per hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources. 

How to Apply

Apply by April 17, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.