Nuclear Engineering Intern

Job Description

Nuclear Engineering Intern | Naval Nuclear Laboratory

The Tone:
This is a challenging and rewarding internship at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), with opportunities across its various site facilities. NNL serves as a critical national asset, singularly focused on advancing nuclear propulsion technology and providing technical and operational support to ensure the unparalleled safety and reliability of the U.S. Navy’s submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. As an intern, you will gain invaluable, immersive professional experience, collaborating directly with world-class engineers, scientists, researchers, and technicians on projects that directly contribute to the Navy’s nuclear fleet. NNL cultivates a positive, high-performing culture founded on core values of Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration, offering dedicated mentorship, extensive networking, and unique program highlights like tours of NNL sites, a Naval Shipyard, and opportunities to present findings to leadership.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Temporary (10-12 week program)
• Location: Various NNL Sites (Hybrid possible)
• Pay: $25–$42.5 hourly
• Mission: Contributing to projects that have a direct impact on the Navy’s nuclear fleet.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Research & Development: Research and develop new technologies and concepts, applying state-of-the-art techniques.
• System Design & Testing: Design and test software, components, or integrated systems for naval nuclear applications.
• Data Modeling & Analysis: Develop comprehensive models and perform in-depth data analysis to support engineering efforts.
• Operational Support: Provide crucial support for operations and develop robust process controls and procedures within nuclear facilities.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Early Career level, pursuing a Bachelor’s (BS), Master’s (MS), or PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates must have successfully completed their first full year of college by May 2027 and be continuously enrolled in a degree program throughout the 10-12 week internship. All applicants are required to be U.S. citizens and must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with Federal regulations.
• Experience: Prior college coursework demonstrating foundational knowledge in nuclear engineering or a related field. No specific years of prior professional experience are required, but completion of at least one full academic year is mandatory.
• Bonus: A cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is preferred. Candidates with prior related internship, co-op, or other work experience (paid or volunteer) are highly valued. Experience with Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), or Naval Nuclear Program environments is also a strong advantage.