MFC Reactor Engineering for Digital Thread Intern - Summer 2027

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 37,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holiday time off

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls is seeking an Undergraduate to PhD student intern to support nuclear reactor modeling and the development of automated data pipelines that link neutronics, thermal-hydraulic, structural, and multiphysics simulations. Work includes Python tools, data management, and model integration to improve traceability and efficiency across the design lifecycle.

You will work onsite on a 9x80 schedule, with potential course credit.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Junior/Senior, Master’s or PhD student enrolled full time in Nuclear/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or related field
• Minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (CPT/OPT)
• Experience with Python
• Experience with reactor analysis tools (OpenMC, RELAP, MCNP, SERPENT, Griffin, MOOSE)
• Experience with FEA or CFD
• Current resume or CV
• Unofficial transcripts (current and completed degrees)
• Current class schedule and credits

Responsibilities

• Develop Python-based tools for automation, data management, visualization and model integration
• Support reactor simulations and data pipelines
• Explore AI-assisted coding to enhance productivity and analysis workflows
• Contribute to integrated analysis frameworks for next-generation reactor design and decision making

Skills

Python

AI-assisted coding tools

Reactor analysis tools

Finite element analysis

CFD

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student in Nuclear/Mechanical Engineering or CS

Tools

OpenMC

RELAP

MCNP

SERPENT

Griffin

MOOSE framework

FEA

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to a Senior Manager within MFC Reactor Engineering, you will support nuclear reactor modeling and the development of a digital thread that links reactor analyses across multiple physics and engineering domains. You will help develop automated workflows and data pipelines that connect neutronics, thermal-hydraulic, structural, and multiphysics simulations, improving traceability and efficiency throughout the reactor design and analysis lifecycle.

Reporting to a Senior Manager within MFC Reactor Engineering, you will support nuclear reactor modeling and the development of a digital thread that links reactor analyses across multiple physics and engineering domains. You will help develop automated workflows and data pipelines that connect neutronics, thermal-hydraulic, structural, and multiphysics simulations, improving traceability and efficiency throughout the reactor design and analysis lifecycle.

Responsibilities include developing Python-based tools for automation, data management, visualization, and model integration; supporting reactor simulations; and exploring the use of artificial intelligence to enhance coding productivity and analysis workflows. The ideal candidate is interested in combining nuclear engineering, advanced modeling and simulation, software development, and digital engineering to create integrated analysis frameworks that support next-generation reactor design and decision-making. This team works a 9x80 schedule onsite at our Idaho Falls campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability. You may be eligible for course credit for this internship if approved by your university.

Required

• Undergraduate Junior or Senior, Master's, or PhD student enrolled full time in a degree program at an accredited college/university studying Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)
• Experience with Python
• Experience with reactor analysis tools such as OpenMC, RELAP, MCNP, SERPENT, Griffin, or the MOOSE framework
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• 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 scientific computing and software development practices
• Familiarity with digital engineering concepts and version control
• Experience with AI-assisted coding tools

Compensation And Benefits

• Undergraduate Internships ($26.94/hour - $32.41/hour)
• Masters Internships ($35.34/hour - $37.73/hour)
• PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($36.83/hour - $39.33/hour)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($38.65/hour - $41.29/hour)
• 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.
• Eligible interns are provided with paid holiday time off, and many of our internships offer travel reimbursements.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job may require operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations 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.

Other Information

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.