Job Information
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory EEDIP PhD Intern Summer 2025 - Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Research in Topeka, Kansas
Overview
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is accelerating the transition to a clean, 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.
Responsibilities
Are you interested in making the world a better place while gaining valuable research experience to launch your career? PNNL is seeking graduate students with a passion about creating a sustainable energy future through science and engineering to join us for summer internship. The Energy and Environment Diversity Internship Program (EEDIP) provides a 10–12-week paid, research-based experience for students who are traditionally underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields.
EEDIP 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.
EEDIP interns also take part in the Gold Experience (https://www.pnnl.gov/pnnl-gold-experience) , which includes networking with fellow interns and PNNL staff, and professional growth opportunities throughout the summer. This experience helps interns become educated on the breadth of research undertaken at PNNL. Many students return for multiple internships and successfully apply for full-time positions following graduation.
Preference is for interns to be located at a PNNL location (Richland, WA; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR) to ensure an impactful experience with their mentor and collaborators.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
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 below. Applicants in the following disciplines (or closely related programs) are preferred:
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
Preference will be given to candidates from programs with an applied emphasis on energy and power systems and building systems.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable.
Additional Information
Not Applicable.
Testing Designated Position
Not a Testing Designated Position.
About PNNL
Pacific 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
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 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.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)
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 $23.53/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $35.30/Hr.