Job Details

Overview

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), we focus on advancing scientific research through our dedicated directorates, each led by a dynamic leadership team with a specific budget. Our Science & Technology directorates span critical areas such as National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment.

The Energy and Environment Directorate is at the forefront of addressing our nation's pressing energy and environmental challenges. With a talented workforce of over 1,700, we support the Department of Energy (DOE) by tackling vital mission areas including modernizing the power grid, promoting renewable energy technologies, and solving complex issues in nuclear science and environmental management.

Within this context, the Nuclear Sciences Division plays a crucial role in delivering innovative solutions that support national security, energy independence, and environmental sustainability. Our focus includes managing nuclear materials, enhancing safety in nuclear facilities, developing resilient new materials for severe nuclear environments, and facilitating the cleanup of legacy nuclear waste.

Responsibilities

Are you eager to contribute to a sustainable energy future and gain invaluable research experience? We invite passionate undergraduate students to apply for a 10-week paid summer internship as part of the Energy and Environment Internship Program (EEIP) at PNNL.

Kick off your journey with cohort sessions starting on May 26, 2026 or June 19, 2026 as part of the Summer 2026 cohort. In the Nuclear Sciences Division, you will tackle complex national challenges through hands-on experimentation, modeling, and engineering of nuclear materials.

If you have a background in chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science, this internship offers an excellent opportunity to dive into impactful research.

Research Focus Areas

As an intern, you will engage in projects within one of the following areas:

• Experimental and Computational Engineering: Multiphase fluid dynamics, heat transport, nuclear radiation modeling, and more.
• Irradiation Sciences: Characterization of irradiated materials and dosimetry.
• Nuclear Chemistry and Engineering: Focus on radiochemical process engineering and conversion technologies.
• Radiological Materials: Development of waste-forms, glass and materials science, and off-gas capture strategies.
• Reactor Materials and Mechanical Design: Study of stress corrosion, material characterization, and hardware design.

The Internship Experience

Interns are integrated into research teams and participate in The Gold Experience-a comprehensive summer program featuring professional development, networking opportunities with experienced scientists, and exposure to PNNL's expansive research scope.

This internship is tailored to accelerate your growth as a researcher while helping you explore various career paths in national laboratory science. Many interns return for subsequent summers and often transition into full-time roles post-graduation.

Why Apply?

• Gain hands-on experience in a renowned national lab.
• Collaborate with leading experts on cutting-edge projects.
• Build a professional network for future opportunities.

Positions are primarily located in Richland, WA. While most work is on-site, remote arrangements may be considered in rare circumstances based on business needs.

If you're excited to apply your skills to real-world challenges and gain essential research experience to shape your career, we encourage you to submit your application.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a complete application package that includes:

1. Resume or CV: Please upload in the "Resume" section.
2. Cover Letter: Upload separately titled "Nuclear Sciences EEIP Cover Letter" in the "Additional Documents" section. Include a statement of interest and mention relevant coursework or experiences.

Please follow the application instructions carefully, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications close at 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the specified date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at an accredited institution.
• Must be taking at least 6 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Areas of interest include additive manufacturing, chemical engineering, computational modeling, and systems engineering.

Additional Information

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). PNNL is a drug-free workplace and adheres to all federal laws regarding substance abuse. Candidates may need to undergo background investigations as required by the Department of Energy.

Join PNNL for an exciting opportunity to deepen your research skills in a supportive environment. We look forward to your application!