Structural Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Posting description

Idaho National Laboratory is leading a DOE Office of Electricity project to develop standardized, containerized modular substations that can be rapidly transported, installed, and restored following disruptions. As part of this effort, this internship will support structural hazard-hardening analysis, evaluating how containerized substation modules—such as switchgear and panel-type equipment—perform under seismic loading and transportation-induced vibration.

The intern will independently build and run finite-element models of containerized substation modules using SAP2000, ABAQUS, and/or INL's MASTODON (MOOSE-based) seismic analysis code, as well as other commercial FEA tools as needed. This includes assessing structural performance under seismic, shock, and transport loading, including the effects of vibration isolation, and comparing results against baseline hazard-resistance criteria. The intern will summarize findings in technical slides and report sections, participate in team meetings, and contribute to broader project documentation.

Reporting to the Risk and Reliability Research 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 civil, structural, mechanical, or earthquake engineering, or a related field.
• 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
• Coursework in structural dynamics, finite element analysis, and earthquake engineering
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, SAP2000) and scripting in Python or MATLAB

The ideal candidate will possess

• Familiarity with MOOSE, MASTODON, or other open-source simulation frameworks
• Knowledge of seismic design standards (e.g., ASCE 7, IEEE 693) or equipment qualification
• Interest in critical infrastructure and power systems

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.