Undergraduate Technical Intern - Mechanical Engineer

Overview PNNL's Earth System Science Division enables energy independence and national security through leadership in earth systems science, engineering, and decision analytics. Our work focuses on solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Our interdisciplinary scientists steward a breadth of efforts that encompass research on plants to groundwater science and coastal zones, to storm prediction. Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational risks at the interface of human and natural environments. This includes predicting the impacts of natural hazards and extreme climate events on Earth and human systems, along with the impacts of wildfire, flooding, sea level rise and storm surges. We focus on understanding and mitigating environmental contamination and increasing the resiliency, security and sustainability of water resources. We provide geointelligence through advanced sensing and data analytics to forecast complex system behaviors and operational performance to understand human-natural systems. This includes informed decision making and enhanced community resilience, advanced monitoring, and remote sensing of environmental systems for energy and national security. It also includes developing energy systems, including geothermal energy, sustainable oil and gas production, storage and utilization, along with carbon sequestration. Driven by a “science-to-solutions” philosophy, we provide scientific leadership and technology to enhance national security, mitigate natural hazards and optimize disaster response. In the critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense, we deliver insights and decision support through the development of tools and solutions. Responsibilities The candidate for this position will actively participate in interdisciplinary projects to study the environmental impact of renewable energy systems such as conventional hydropower, marine and hydrokinetic energy, and wind power. Job responsibility include autonomous sensor design, autonomous sensor plan platform design, energy harvesting devices for sensor platforms, self-powered sensor design, experimental design, digital signal acquisition in laboratory and field settings, data processing and analysis, and assisting with journal article and report writing. If you’re interested in making the world a better place, and gaining valuable research experience to launch your career, consider applying below. Many students return for multiple internships and successfully apply for full time positions following graduation. Projects include: Studying the environmental impact of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems by detecting and tracking fish or other animals in the river or ocean using underwater acoustic telemetry. Studying and mitigating the environmental impact of wind energy by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry. Development of energy harvesting solutions for sensing systems in remote environments (e.g., ocean, artic). The primary scope of this position includes advanced sensor design and testing, digital signal acquisition in laboratory settings, data processing and analysis, and assisting with report writing. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: 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 2.5. Preferred Qualifications: Candidate must be currently accepted in an undergraduate mechanical engineering degree program at an accredited college or university. The candidate must be able to work well independently and in a multi-disciplinary team setting. The candidate must exhibit a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and place a high value on data quality and accuracy. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated hands-on experience with hand tools, general laboratory equipment, and computer electronics. Candidates must be actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Must be comfortable working in the field, including on a research vessel. Additional Information Not Applicable. Testing Designated Position Not Applicable. 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 [email protected]. 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. Mandatory Requirements Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. 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. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards