OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division,part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.
ResponsibilitiesAre you interested in making the world a better place while gaining valuable research experience to launch your career?
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking master students passionate about creating a sustainable energy future through science and engineering to join us for a 10 week paid summer internship as part of the Energy and Environment Internship Program (EEIP).
Participants will begin in cohort sessions and must be available to start on May 26, 2026 or June 19, 2026 as part of the Summer 2026 cohort.
EEIP interns in our Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division will experience firsthand how PNNL addresses some of our nation’s toughest problems in energy efficiency, electric grid modernization, and the integration of renewable energy, storage, and electric vehicles with the power grid. Join our division of over 400 experts and explore how your training in fields such as, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering and buildings sciences, systems engineering, data sciences, energy policy, and economics, can position you for a high impact career at a national lab.
You’ll be matched with a mentor based on your career interests, and project opportunities, and assigned to a research group working in one of the following areas:
- Power Systems Engineering: grid architecture and communications, power system modeling and simulation, cyber and physical energy security.
- Energy System Analytics and Control: learning and predictive analytics, control theory and system optimization, sensing and measurement, and advanced computing, including high-performance and edge computing.
- Building System Sciences & Engineering: building energy modeling, electrical systems design and integration, whole-building performance evaluation and optimization, building technology testing and validation
- Policy, Markets and Deployment: power market design and analysis, economic analysis and valuation, policy and regulatory analysis for buildings and electricity infrastructure, community energy transition planning.
Positions are based in Richland, WA, Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. Work is primarily on-site, with remote arrangements considered only in rare circumstances and strictly based on business need.
The Internship Experience
PNNL interns are fully integrated into research teams and supported through The Gold Experience, a summer-long program that includes professional development, networking with scientists and engineers across the lab, and exposure to the full breadth of PNNL’s research mission.
This internship is designed to accelerate your growth as a researcher and help you envision long-term career paths in national laboratory science. Many students return for multiple summers, and a number successfully transition into full-time roles at PNNL after graduation.
Why Apply?
- Gain hands-on research experience in a national laboratory setting.
- Collaborate with top scientists and engineers in cutting-edge research fields.
- Build professional connections that can support future career opportunities.
If you’re motivated to apply your skills to real-world problems and gain hands-on research experience that can shape your career, we encourage you to apply.
****HOW TO APPLY****
To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:
Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).
Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “Nuclear Sciences EEIP Cover Letter”.
- Cover letter should include: Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.
If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications 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.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must be matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Applicants should be working toward a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree, or related degrees.
- Discipline of interest: Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering or Building Sciences, Systems Engineering, Energy Policy, Economics, Computer Science, Software, Engineering, or Cyber Security Engineering, Data Sciences
About PNNLPacific 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, 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 OpportunityOur 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 WorkplacePNNL 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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify 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 RequirementsPlease 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 RewardsRegular 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.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $20.87/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $31.30/Hr.
