Posting TitleUndergraduate/Graduate (Year-Round/Summer) Intern - Chemical Engineering
LocationCO - Golden
Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week40
Working at NRELFrom day one at NREL, you'll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you'll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL's critical objectives, and
see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don't meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.Job DescriptionThe Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up (CCTS) Center at NREL seeks to advance renewable carbon conversion technologies. The Catalytic Process Development group focuses on thermal and catalytic systems to convert renewable carbon and intermediate products into sustainable fuels and chemicals.
NREL's 4 inch Research Gasifier uses thermal energy to convert biomass or waste carbon to CO, H2, and CO2. The system explores the effects of feedstock and other operating conditions on multiple process outputs, namely product yields and operability.
Job duties will include but are not limited to:
- Assist in preparing and operating the system
- Specifying, installing, and troubleshooting equipment
- Tracing and updating piping and instrumentation drawings
- Brainstorming solutions to process challenges
- Calibrating and operating equipment and analytical instruments
- Analyzing data for gas compositions and yields, including mass balances
From this experience, the intern will gain hands-on experience operating a biomass/waste conversion facility, understand and solve the most critical challenges to operation, and provide scientific contribution to enable a renewable carbon economy.
To learn more about the work this group does, check out this link: NREL Research Gasifier.
Basic QualificationsMinimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Undergraduate: 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. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Graduate: Earned a master's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate + PhD: Completed master's degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
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- The successful candidate will either be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
- Experience using basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc)
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve
- Eagerness and ability to learn
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience using excel formulas and functions
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with CAD programs (AutoCAD, Solidworks)
- Basic chemistry and/or chemical engineering
- Experience in a thermochemical or bioenergy facility or with thermochemical or bioenergy processes
Job Application Submission WindowThe 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: / Annual Salary Range: $38,300 - $61,300
NREL 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 SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NREL 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 RequirementNREL 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 WorkplaceNREL 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 NREL, 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 GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL 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.
EEO PolicyNREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.
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Reasonable Accommodations E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
