Undergraduate Intern, AI and Data Analytics Division (NSIP)

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National Security Internship Program (NSIP) – Undergraduate Intern

AI and Data Analytics Division (AIDA)

Location: Richland or Seattle, WA (primarily on-site)

Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution committed to addressing critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. Our core capabilities are organized into major departments called Directorates, each with its own leadership and dedicated budget.

This internship opportunity is within the AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) Division, a vital part of the National Security Directorate. The AIDA Division is at the forefront of combining profound domain expertise with the creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that tackle complex data and analytic challenges. We thrive in multidisciplinary teams, bridging foundational research with engineering and operational deployment to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths span the entire data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to sophisticated analysis and decision support.

Learn more about the impactful work of the AIDA division: PNNL AI and Data Analytics

We actively encourage all qualified individuals who meet the minimum qualifications to express interest and apply for this dynamic internship position.

Responsibilities

PNNL is actively seeking talented Undergraduate students to join the National Security Internship Program (NSIP) within the AI and Data Analytics Division. We are looking for individuals with a genuine passion for solving critical national challenges through the application of advanced computational, statistical, and mathematical techniques.

As an NSIP intern, you will gain invaluable experience and an opportunity to:

• Be presented with complex problems in national security, energy, and science.
• Apply cutting-edge research to contribute to making our nation safer and stronger.
• Develop complex computer code, translating theoretical concepts into practical solutions.
• Develop and participate in cyber competitions, honing your skills in a challenging environment.
• Design new visualizations to make complex data understandable and actionable.
• Work hands-on with big data and optimize solutions across diverse domains.

Participants will be starting in cohort sessions and must be available to start in May or June 2026.

Diverse Focus Areas:

Your internship will be tailored to one of six specialized technical groups within the AIDA Division, allowing you to align with your specific interests and skills:

• Math, Stats, and Data Science: Employing powerful tools and techniques such as mathematical modeling, computational statistics, graph and game theory, network science, and uncertainty quantification to solve complex problems across various domains.
  • Disciplines: Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning, Statistics, Operations Research.
• Applied AI Systems: Developing hardened and robust models to distill large, fast, distributed, and messy data into actionable knowledge, supporting decision processes in operational environments on sponsor systems.
  • Disciplines: Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Data Science, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Geospatial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing.
• Foundational Data Science: Conceptualizing and developing fundamentally new algorithms and tools to address unresolved challenges in distilling large, fast, distributed, and messy data into knowledge for sponsors’ decision processes.
  • Disciplines: Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Data Science, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Geospatial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing.
• Software Engineering & Architectures: Developing high-quality, scalable, cloud-first solutions for tackling large data pipelines and analytics delivered to operational sponsor environments. We utilize industry best practices including Agile development, code reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Disciplines: Cloud Engineering, Large-Scale Data Engineering, Scalable Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, DevSecOps, Automated Testing, Software Engineering.
• Human Centered Computing: Combining innovative interactive visualizations with advanced automated data analysis techniques to enable users to gain deeper insights from their data. This involves making complex data useful through skillful visual design, compelling human-computer interaction, sound analytic methods, and solid engineering.
  • Disciplines: Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Software Engineering, Natural Language Processing, Graph Analytics, Data Visualization.
• Operational Readiness & Enablement: Developing high-quality, scalable, cloud-first solutions for tackling large data pipelines and analytics, delivered to operational sponsor environments. We follow industry best practices for professional software development, including agile development, code reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Disciplines: Cloud Computing, DevSecOps, Software Testing, Data and AI Engineering, Project Management.

Positions are based in Richland or Seattle, WA. Work is primarily on-site; remote arrangements are considered only in rare circumstances and strictly based on business need.

HOW TO APPLY

To ensure your application package is complete and considered, the following two (2) items are required and must be uploaded correctly as per the instructions below:

1. Step 1: Upload your Resume or CV in the “Resume” section only.
   • (Note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to.)
2. Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in the “Additional Documents” section of the application.
   • The cover letter must be titled: “AIDA – Summer 2026 NSIP Cover Letter”.
   • Your cover letter should include:
     • A clear statement of interest in this internship.
     • Reference relevant college courses that align with the position.
     • Highlight relevant experience, which may include extracurricular activities, that has prepared you for this career.

ATTENTION: If any of the required components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded precisely per the instructions above, your application will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

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 possess an overall cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Preferred Qualifications:

We are particularly interested in candidates studying disciplines such as:

• Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Operations Research, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience Design, Geospatial Science, Cognitive Science (with a computational focus), Systems Engineering, Project Management, Management Information Systems.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable for this position.

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 Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

Testing Designated Position: This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) stands as 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 discover 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 careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug-Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace, supported by its 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 adheres to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A. These require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity 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: Offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Eligible for the company-funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

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

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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 $16.25/Hr.

Maximum Salary: USD $26.00/Hr.

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