Materials Characterization Intern

BWX Technologies, Inc.; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Flexible work schedules

401k thrift plan

Inclusive, mission-driven team

Job summary

BWX Technologies, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA is seeking a Materials Characterization Intern to support multiple nuclear development projects in the Advanced Technologies Office. You will help develop a new characterization methodology to study the chemistry, microstructure, or properties of inorganic materials.

The role offers a housing stipend (eligibility), flexible work schedules, and a pathway to contribute to space and terrestrial nuclear applications within a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD degree in a technical field (e.g., Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Chemistry).

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of one or more characterization methods to improve SOPs, quality, or expand capabilities.
• Analyze, reduce, and present data from material characterization.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking ability

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in technical field

Tools

ICP-MS

TGA

FTIR

LECO-OCNHS

SEM

XRD

CT

BET SA

EDS

EBSD

Pycnometry

PSA

Job description

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At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT’s innovation hub. BWXT’s Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.

If you are looking for a Summer 2027 internship opportunity where innovative thinking is fostered and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.

Position Overview:

As a Materials Characterization Intern, you will be part of a team assisting multiple nuclear development projects at its Advanced Technologies research and development organization in Lynchburg, VA. The intern will be responsible for developing a new characterization methodology in support of characterizing the chemistry, microstructure, or properties of different inorganic materials. This is in support of our R&D and prototype programs including applications in space and terrestrial nuclear applications.

Location:

The position will be located in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office.

Your Day to Day as a Materials Characterization Intern:

• Take ownership of a one or more characterization methods to improve standard operating procedures, improve quality, or expand the current offer of characterization capability.
• Support various R&D programs through the analysis of various materials being developed.
• Analyze, reduce, and present data generated from characterizing various materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD Degree in a technical field of study (e.g., Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Physics, Chemistry etc.).
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to multi-task are required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure or experience in characterization of ceramic, metal, or composite materials
• Characterization exposure/understanding of one of the following characterization approaches ICP-MS, TGA, FTIR, LECO-OCNHS, SEM, XRD, CT, BET SA, SEM, EDS, EBSD, Pycnometry, PSA etc.
• Enthusiastic attitude for tackling new challenges and learning new technologies.

What We Offer:

• Flexible work schedules to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Housing stipend available for those that meet eligibility requirements.
• BWXT offers the thrift plan (401k) to its employees. After 3 years of employment, you become fully vested and any time as an internship goes towards that time.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.

Pay: $25.05- $31.83

The starting hourly rate for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $25.05 and $31.83 per hour. The hourly rate offered is based on local job market factors and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify the hourly rate (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation, or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or applicable department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.

Nearest Major Market:

Lynchburg

Nearest Secondary Market:

Virginia

Job Segment:

Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Materials Science, SEM, QA, Engineering, Science, Marketing, Quality