Undergraduate Intern

Posting Title

(Associate/Undergraduate) Intern - Carbon Management and Large Energy Systems

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Location

Remote

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Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

20

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Working at NLR

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking two student interns to support its collaboration with the Kern Community College District’s California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL).

Interns will work with researchers in the Strategic Energy Analysis Center on applied research and educational activities related to carbon management, bio-based products, industrial energy systems, and large energy-load systems. The Strategic Energy Analysis Center (SEAC; www.nlr.gov/analysis) aims to increase understanding of energy policies, markets, resources, technologies, and infrastructure to address U.S. economic, security, and environmental priorities.

The two positions may support different combinations of research analysis, education, and curriculum-development activities. Specific project scopes will be determined in collaboration with the assigned NLR researchers based on project needs and the interns’ backgrounds and interests. Examples of potential work areas include:

Work Areas

• Biomass-derived intermediates and bio-based chemicals
• Carbon efficiency of bio-based conversion pathways
• Carbon utilization and low-carbon industrial systems
• Commercial and large energy-load systems
• Technical, economic, and environmental performance analysis
• Workforce and educational materials and activities related to energy systems

Research and Analysis

• Conduct literature reviews
• Collect and organize related technical, economic, and environmental data
• Compare and evaluate technology pathways using technical, economic, and environmental performance metrics
• Support spreadsheet analysis and technical documentation
• Summarize and present findings for researchers and project partners

Education and Curriculum Support

• Develop student-facing technical materials and case studies
• Prepare figures, presentations, and research summaries
• Adapt technical information for community-college audiences
• Support curriculum, workforce-development, and outreach activities

Work Arrangement

The internships will be fully remote, with regular virtual mentoring and team meetings. NLR will provide laptops and the required software and system access for remote work. No laboratory equipment or supplies will be required, as the work will focus on literature review, data analysis, spreadsheet-based analysis, and educational material development rather than laboratory experiments.

An optional visit to the NLR Golden Campus may be offered during the internship, subject to separate project funding, eligibility, scheduling, and NLR visitor requirements.

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Basic Qualifications

Associate: Minimum of a 2.7 cumulative grade point average. Currently enrolled in an accredited associate degree program (community college or technical college) in a related field of study. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Undergraduate: Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution.

Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months, with minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

Please Note:
• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree program in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, energy systems, data science, applied mathematics, economics, or a related field
• Interest in energy systems, sustainability, applied research, or technical education
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong written communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment
• Experience conducting literature reviews or organizing technical information
  (Bachelor-level applicants only)

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant coursework in engineering, science, statistics, economics, or energy systems
• Familiarity with spreadsheet analysis, data visualization, or technical documentation
• Experience preparing basic technical reports, presentations, or educational materials
• Interest in bio-based products, industrial systems, large energy-load systems, or workforce development
• Experience comparing technical, economic, or environmental performance metrics
  (Bachelor-level applicants only)

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Undergraduate / Annual Salary Range: $34,800 - $55,700

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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