Post-Undergraduate (Year-Round) Intern - Chemical Engineering

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 39,600 - 63,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) Employee Savings Plan

Performance and achievement awards

Job summary

A leading research laboratory in Golden, Colorado is seeking a Post-Undergraduate Intern in Chemical Engineering. The role provides hands-on experience in laboratory settings focusing on benchtop chemistry and analytical techniques. Candidates must be enrolled or recently graduated from a relevant degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The internship offers a competitive salary ranging from $39,600 to $63,400 annually and includes professional development opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Experience in a lab and exposure to analytical chemistry or organic chemistry.
• Willingness to take direction and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct benchtop wet chemistry experiments safely.
• Operate analytical instrumentation and conduct data analysis.
• Contribute to research papers and technical presentations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time-management skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related field

Must be enrolled as a full-time student or recent graduate

Job description

Post‑Undergraduate (Year‑Round) Intern – Chemical Engineering

Location: CO – Golden

Position Type: Intern (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week: 40

About NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado and is the nation’s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world‑class scientists, engineers, and experts accelerate energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost‑effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you’ll find a mission‑driven environment supported by state‑of‑the‑art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well‑being.

Job Description

The Chemical Catalysis and Reaction Engineering group at NLR is seeking full‑time post‑undergraduate candidates to work on‑site, with an expected start date in Summer 2026.

Responsibilities

• Benchtop wet chemistry at the milligram‑to‑kilogram scale
• Operation of analytical instrumentation
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Batch and flow reactor operation and maintenance
• Opportunity to contribute to research papers and technical presentations
• Conduct laboratory experiments safely under supervision and move toward more independent work throughout the year

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full‑time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution
• Post‑Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months; eligible for an internship period of up to one year
• Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full‑time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution
• Post Graduate: Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months; eligible for an internship period of up to one year
• Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and is enrolled as a PhD student from an accredited institution

Additional Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience following standard lab safety procedures and setting a safe example in a laboratory setting
• Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field by the start of the internship
• Demonstrated general laboratory experience and exposure to analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, or biochemistry
• Attention to detail, a fast learner, and excellent time‑management skills
• Ability to work well with a variety of personality types with various levels of technical backgrounds
• Willingness to take direction and work independently to support team goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior non‑coursework related experience in an undergraduate research lab or internship

Application Details

Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts. If selected for the position, a letter of recommendation will be required. Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Compensation

Annual Salary Range (based on full‑time 40 hours per week): $39,600 – $63,400. Salary determination considers education, training, experience, work quality, travel, market, internal alignment, and merit systems.

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). Eligible performers may receive performance, merit, and achievement awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may qualify for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug‑Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug‑Free Workplace Act. Interns and employees must pass a pre‑employment drug test before commencing employment. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

Submission Guidelines

To be considered, submit an application form for each position you believe you are qualified for. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Include a cover letter and resume with each application.

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.

Reasonable Accommodations & E‑Verify

Right to work verification is conducted through E‑Verify (www.dhs.gov/E‑Verify).