Graduate (Year-Round) Internship – Digital Twin Development for Biorefinery Processes

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 44,500 - 71,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) Employee Savings Plan

Flexible sick leave

Job summary

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado is offering a Graduate Internship focused on Digital Twin Development for Biorefinery Processes. This full-time position aims to support engineers in creating a digital twin representation to enhance biofuel and bioproduct production.

The ideal candidate is a full-time student or recent graduate in computational sciences or related fields, skilled in Python or C++, and will gain experience in innovative energy systems and modeling.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or recent graduate program.
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a master’s or PhD in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement process models for biomass conversion and separation units.
• Integrate sensor and historical process data into digital twin architecture.
• Develop simulation tools and dashboards for visualization and analysis.
• Contribute to model validation using pilot-scale data.

Skills

Programming in Python

Modeling chemical reactors

Experience with CFD frameworks

Techno-economic modeling

Strong problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Currently enrolled in a master's or PhD program

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Tools

Cantera

Aspen Plus

AnyLogic

TwinCAT

Siemens Xcelerator

Job description

Graduate (Year-Round) Internship – Digital Twin Development for Biorefinery Processes

Location: Golden, Colorado

Position Type: Intern (Fixed Term)

Hours per Week: 40 (full‑time)

Job Overview

The Integrated Carbon Conversion Processes (ICCP) Group within NREL's Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale‑Up (CCTS) Center has an opening for a Graduate Internship position. The selected candidate will support senior process engineers, modelers, and data scientists in developing a digital twin for an experimental biological and thermocatalytic conversion platform. The goal of the project is to create a virtual representation of key unit operations, enabling real‑time monitoring, dynamic simulation, and predictive analytics for biomass and waste conversion to produce biofuels and bioproducts.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement process models representing biomass conversion, upgrading, and separation units.
• Integrate sensor data and historical process data into the digital twin architecture.
• Develop simulation tools and dashboards for visualization, control, and scenario analysis.
• Contribute to model validation using pilot‑scale data and collaborate on experimental feedback loops.
• Document assumptions, system architecture, and modeling workflows for reproducibility and team collaboration.
• Participate in team meetings and present regular progress updates.
• Contribute toward peer‑reviewed manuscripts and other technical documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Enrolled as a full‑time student in a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or recent graduate program, with eligibility to work for up to one year.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a master’s or PhD in computational sciences, computational engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biological engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
• Experience programming in Python and/or C++.
• Experience modeling chemical reactors (e.g., using Cantera) and integrating with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building techno‑economic models using software platforms (e.g., Aspen Plus).
• Exposure to artificial intelligence/machine learning methods for process optimization or anomaly detection.
• Experience with digital twin platforms (e.g., AnyLogic, TwinCAT, Siemens Xcelerator).
• Interest in bioprocessing, energy systems, or sustainable technology development.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Salary Range

$44,500 – $71,200 for a 40‑hour per week, full‑time position.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; and sick leave where required by law. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.