AI-Enhanced Automation Intern - Summer 2027

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holiday time off

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) seeks a PhD intern to help develop an automated platform that combines nanoindentation, tensile testing, DIC, and EBSD for mechanical property research. You will design intelligent decision-making algorithms that adapt testing conditions in real time using Bayesian optimization and GP surrogates.

The role emphasizes CNN-based interpretation, active learning, and integration with autonomous experimental platforms within the SPL at the MFC.

Qualifications

• Enrolled full time in a PhD program studying Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Data Science.
• Minimum overall GPA 3.0.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT).
• Current Resume or CV.
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs).
• Current class schedule and number of credits.

Responsibilities

• Support development of an integrated autonomous platform for testing mechanical properties.
• Develop intelligent decision-making algorithms to dynamically guide additional testing.
• Leverage Bayesian optimization with GP surrogate models for adaptive experimental design.
• Apply active learning and CNNs for real-time interpretation of nanoindentation and DIC/EBSD datasets.

Skills

Bayesian optimization

Gaussian processes

CNNs for image data

Active learning

DIC familiarity

EBSD familiarity

Autonomous platforms

Education

PhD student in CS/AI/ML/Data Science

Job description

Reporting to a Senior Manager within the Post-Irradiation Examination Characterization Department, you will support the development of an integrated and autonomous platform for testing mechanical properties, combining multiple testing modes and length scales into a single automated workflow. The platform integrates mechanical testing through nanoindentation and tensile tests, alongside characterization using digital image correlation (DIC) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Using real-time data generated during testing, you will help develop intelligent decision-making algorithms to dynamically recommend additional testing under varying conditions to evaluate mechanical properties

These algorithms will leverage Bayesian optimization with Gaussian process (GP) surrogate models to adaptively select the next experimental condition, while active learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) will enable real-time interpretation of nanoindentation and DIC datasets. This adaptive approach ensures the testing protocol is continuously optimized to thoroughly probe material behavior. This work will be conducted in the Structural Properties Laboratory (SPL) at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

This team works a 4x10 schedule onsite. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability.

Required:

• Enrolled full time in a PhD program at an accredited college/university studying Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Data Science
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Experience with Bayesian optimization and Gaussian process surrogate models for adaptive experimental design
• Experience developing or applying convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for image-based data interpretation
• Familiarity with active learning methods for real-time or iterative decision-making
• Exposure to materials characterization techniques (e.g., nanoindentation, DIC, EBSD) or automated/autonomous experimental platforms, through coursework, research, or prior internship

Compensation and Benefits

• PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($36.83/hour - $39.33/hour)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($38.65/hour - $41.29/hour)
• Eligible interns are provided with paid holiday time off, and many of our internships offer travel reimbursements.
• Multi-Level: Internships are typically multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.

Physical requirement:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Paid holiday time off
• Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] to request accommodation.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.