Smart Mechanical Systems Summer 2025 Internship
Is an internship focused on changing the world's energy future intriguing? If so, we might have just the opportunity you're looking for!
Reporting to the Physical Process Science and Realization group, you ill work closely with INL’s computational R&D scientists and experimental R&D engineers to perform research, development, and validation of novel predictive models for the mechanical systems at INL’s Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) and conduct model-based simulation case studies to improve the understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms and design strategies for system performance optimization based on the simulation data.
- Strong communication skills to interact with subject matter experts to quickly learn and understand the physical experimental processes and the existing data management systems are desired. Research experience and expertise in one or multiple of the technical areas listed below are desired.
- Machine learning and data-driven model research & development and analysis for sophisticated mechanical systems or closely related mechanisms. Proficient Python programming skills. Experience in using Nvidia GPU accelerated computing for model training is a significant plus.
- Proficient use of software packages to perform computational fluid-particle dynamic simulations involving irregular-shaped flexible particles, based on coupled fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM), i.e., CFD-DEM. The ability to create geometries and meshes for the CFD-DEM simulations is a significant plus.
- Proficient use of software packages to perform granular flow simulations involving irregular-shaped flexible particles and particle breakage, based on the discrete element method (DEM).
- The ability to create geometries and surface meshes for DEM simulations is a significant plus. The students will keep a detailed documentation in a research manuscript manner for the work designed, performed, and summarized during the internship.
- Proof of strong writing skills for technical reports and scientific manuscripts is desired. Peer-reviewed journal publication of any of the areas listed above is a significant plus.
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD student enrolled full time at an accredited college/university studying Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field
- A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)
Application Requirements:
- Current Resume or CV
- Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
- Current class schedule and number of credits
- You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
Compensation and Benefits:
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Undergraduate Internships ($25.65/hour - $30.70/hour)
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Masters Internships and PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($31.75/hour - $34.06/hour)
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PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($33.75/hour - $36.06/hour)
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Eligible interns are provided paid holiday time off, and many of our internships offer travel reimbursements.
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Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.
INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 5,800 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation’s nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.
INL hosts over 550 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL’s mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in several operations and business subject areas.
Selective Service Requirements To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Reasonable Accommodation We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited.
Questions? UniversityRecruiting@inl.gov