Engineering Student Intern – Solar Thermal Technologies

Job Description

Engineering Student Intern – Solar Thermal Technologies | Sandia National Laboratories

The Tone:
This is an engineering student internship at Sandia National Laboratories, where you will work onsite. Sandia is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab dedicated to national security and technology innovation. This role offers students the opportunity to assist R&D staff in advancing solar thermal technologies, improving performance, and conducting vital analyses. Your contributions will directly support critical projects that enhance national security and global sustainability efforts within the Solar Thermal Technologies Department.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (academic year), Full-time (summer)
• Location: Onsite, New Mexico

• Team: Integrated Solar & Thermal Energy Systems department
• Mission: Assist R&D staff in advancing solar thermal technologies, improving performance, and conducting analyses at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility.
• Tech Stack: LabView, Python, MS Office, Computer Aided Design, finite element analysis software

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research & Development: Conduct R&D activities and projects under the leadership of senior staff, often collaborating in teams that include partners from other institutions.
• Funding Support: Assist in the development of proposals to seek funding from sponsors and customers for new or ongoing R&D projects related to concentrating solar technologies.
• Data Analysis & Dissemination: Aid in the analysis of data and assist in the written dissemination of research and development outcomes.
• Technical Analysis: Perform tasks that may include heat transfer/thermodynamic analysis, thermal analysis of high temperature falling particles, load analysis, or materials characterization.
• Software & Chemistry Support: Contribute to system control software design or engage in synthetic chemistry research supporting projects like supercritical CO2 systems or molten salt technologies.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program, pursuing a science, engineering, or math major, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Experience: U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. are eligible; no specific years of prior work experience are explicitly required beyond academic standing.
• Skills: Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer; understanding and adherence to applicable Sandia National Laboratories ES&H requirements and guidelines.
• Bonus: Pursuing an undergraduate degree in mechanical, systems, computer, electrical, or chemical engineering, or a graduate degree in computer or materials science. Familiarity with Concentrating Solar Thermal technology and alternative energy. Hands-on experience with pressure systems, flow diagrams, assembly of laboratory test stands, or chemical laboratory work. Experience with mechanical and electronic systems, MS Office, written and oral communication, LabView or other DAQ/control software, Python coding, test operation and design, networking infrastructure, Computer Aided Design, or finite element analysis software.