Graphite Degradation Modeling Intern - Summer 2027

Posting description

This internship will focus on implementing and validating graphite degradation models for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in Pronghorn. The intern will review the literature to identify relevant degradation mechanisms, available models, and experimental data; implement selected models; and develop tests and validation cases. The work may begin with a simple empirical model and progress toward higher-fidelity approaches that account for local temperature and gas conditions and their effects on graphite properties. The intern will compare model predictions with published data, assess sensitivity to key assumptions, and document the models’ applicability and limitations.

Reporting to the Multiphysics Computational Frameworks team. This team works a 9x80s schedule onsite at our Idaho Falls Campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability. You may be eligible for course credit for this internship if approved by your university.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrolled full time in an Master degree program, or Doctorate Degree program at an accredited college/university studying Nuclear Engineering, Energy Engineering, or other closely related Engineering discipline.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits
• Nuclear research experience/coursework in thermomechanical analysis, fluid dynamics and heat transfer

Compensation and Benefits

• Masters Internships ($35.34/hour - $37.73/hour)
• PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($36.83/hour - $39.33/hour)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($38.65/hour - $41.29/hour)
• Multi-Level: Internships are typically multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.

Physical requirement

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.