Undergraduate Technical Intern - Embedded Systems Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 49,133,000 - 77,424,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an electrical engineering intern to assist in verification, test and analysis of embedded systems and power electronics for research projects. You will apply fundamental EE concepts to test custom PCBs and software, while gaining experience with SDRs and RF sensing in real-world lab environments.

Ideal candidates are undergraduates in Electrical or Computer Engineering or Physics, familiar with C/C++, Python, and Linux.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: high school diploma / GED or higher
• Minimum Qualifications: enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university
• Minimum Qualifications: taking at least 6 credit hours and GPA 2.50 overall
• Preferred Qualifications: pursuing undergrad in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field with hardware and software experience
• Preferred Qualifications: familiarity with Git, Bitbucket, GitHub, Sublime Merge, SourceTree, etc.
• Preferred Qualifications: familiarity with Docker, VMware, etc.
• Preferred Qualifications: scripting with Python and/or TCL
• Preferred Qualifications: basic C/C++ development and GCC on Linux
• Preferred Qualifications: basic electronics theory and datasheets
• Preferred Qualifications: familiarity with Linux and command line interfaces

Responsibilities

• Write software test utilities in C/C++ and Python.
• Configure SDR and RF systems for testing.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Read schematics, test circuits and develop small circuits to meet system needs.
• Configure electronic systems for validation and testing.
• Test electronic systems for performance verification.
• Analyze data and system responses for performance analysis; troubleshoot RF performance and devise test methods.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded systems

RF

Linux

Git

Docker

Scripting

Education

Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Physics

Tools

Git

Docker

Sublime Merge

SourceTree

Job description

Overview

At PNNL,our core capabilities are dividedamongmajor departmentsthat werefer to as Directorates within the Lab,focused on a specific area of scientific research orother function, with its own leadership teamand dedicated budget.

Our Science & TechnologydirectoratesincludeNational Security,Earthand Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, andEnergy andEnvironment.

In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facilityhoused on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,real-worldthreats to our nation and the world.

The Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, part of the National Security Directorate, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverseexpertisein operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.

Responsibilities

The Advanced Engineered Systems group within PNNL builds embedded electronic systems to support various applications including imaging systems, system health monitoring, cyber security and advanced radio frequency devices to sense and communicate with other devices. PNNL seeks an electrical engineering intern for verification, test and analysis of embedded systems, power electronics and software for the above applications. The applicant is expected to apply fundamentals of electrical engineering to test custom electronic and RF printed circuit boards, work with software defined radios (SDR) and custom software to verify functionality. The applicant will also learn RF fundamentals to setup and test RF sensing and interrogation devices. C/C++ and python software languages will be extensively used to automate tasks, collect data from analog and digital systems and deliver data to modern computing systems. Executing ad-hoc and defined test cases and critical thinking is fundamental to this position to confirm proper system operation in real world environments. Basic knowledge of command line and remote access to Linux operating systems is crucial to success as well as electronics fundamentals to troubleshoot and correct issues with custom printed circuit boards. The job duties will give the applicant an opportunity to experience electrical and computer engineering fundamentals as applied to real-world applications in a research environment, while assisting in missions that make our nation safer.

Key Responsibilities

• Write software test utilities in C/C++ and python.
• Configure SDR and RF systems for testing.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Read schematics, test circuits and develop small circuits to meet various system needs.
• Configure electronic systems for system validation and testing.
• Test electronic systems for performance verification.

Additional Responsibilities

• Analyze data and system responses for performance analysis. Troubleshoot RF performance and devise test methods to exercise equipment to specifications.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher
• Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university
• Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field, with coursework or hands-on experience spanning both hardware (circuits, embedded systems, RF) and software (C/C++, Python) disciplines.
• Familiarity with source control tools: GIT, bitbucket, Github, Sublime Merge, SourceTree, etc.
• Familiarity with virtualized containers: Docker, VMware, etc.
• Skilled in scripting with Python and/or TCL.
• Basic skills in software development with C/C++ or equivalent; GCC for linux and makefiles is a plus.
• Basic electronic circuit theory and familiarity with datasheets.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and command line interfaces.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Additional Information

This position involves access to sensitive systems and information.U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Programsite, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [e-mail].

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Regular Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

Temporary Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $17.13/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $27.02/Hr.