Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 10 hours ago
Summer High School Research Intern - Reactor Technologies
Richland, WA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$17.13/hr - $23.08/hrPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on scientific research and technological advancements. They are seeking a Summer High School Research Intern in Reactor Technologies to work with a scientist/mentor on cutting-edge research involving finite element models to assess the integrity of advanced coating systems applied to Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rod components.
Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity
Responsibilities
The candidate will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research
This project focuses on developing finite element (FE) models to assess the thermo-mechanical integrity of advanced coating systems—such as a-CRC, CrN, and Cr—applied to Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rod (TPBAR) components
Coating locations of interest include the outer diameter (OD) of the getter and both the inner diameter (ID) and OD of the cladding
The intern will create and validate FE models compatible with TPBAR geometry and perform parametric studies to evaluate performance and failure margins across a range of candidate coating materials and thicknesses
Both in-reactor and ex-reactor conditions will be examined (e.g., thermal gradients, irradiation-induced effects, mechanical loading, and transients) to determine coating robustness and potential failure modes
The work will help bridge efforts between the Tritium Science Program and Emergent Design Activities by providing a modeling framework to inform material selection, coating design, and future experimental campaigns
Qualification
Required
Applicants must be currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior or senior in a public or private high school at time of application
Applicants must be 16 years of age by start date
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (from beginning of 9th grade to current standing)
Preferred
Proficiency in high school-level math, physics, calculus and computing experience
Experience with Microsoft Excel for data analysis and organization
Familiarity with COMSOL
Working knowledge of Multiphysics Python programming for preliminary coding tasks
Ability to write and communicate clear and concise reports
Strong communication skills for regular updates and collaboration with mentor
Benefits
Health insurance
Flexible work schedules
Employee assistance program
Business travel insurance
Company funded pension plan
401k savings plan
Company
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates as a government research laboratory.
Founded in 1965
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (186)
2024 (167)
2023 (182)
2022 (202)
2021 (147)
2020 (136)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2022-07-14Grant
2018-07-16Grant
Leadership Team
Allison Campbell
Associate Laboratory Director for Earth and Biological Sciences
Deborah Gracio
Laboratory Director
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