DOE Nuclear Technician Training Internship

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is offering a unique internship opportunity focused on Nuclear Technician Careers. This internship will introduce interns to research related careers in the nuclear sector and provide an opportunity to explore specialized skills, gain hands-on experience, and participate in industry-led training. Interns will receive instruction and training centered on the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success as a nuclear technician. Content will center on: (1) Radiological Glovebox Operation and (2) Radiological Fume Hood Operations. Interns may also receive training related to Electromechanical Manipulator Operations in Hot Cells. The internship will enable participants to develop and practice introductory technical skills that require years to master, receive mentorship from industry experts, learn about career opportunities in the field, and participate in a unique educational experience. Interns will be based at facilities at and near PNNL Richland campus and Columbia Basin College (CBC). Applicants must have reliable transportation to commute between multiple program sites, including the HAMMER Federal Training Center, PNNL, and CBC. This is an 11-week internship running from April 6, 2026 to June 17, 2026. Applicants must be available to start on April 6 and work 12–20 hours per week. HOW TO APPLY To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration: Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the resume uploaded will be the resume used for all positions an applicant applies towards). Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “Nuclear Tech Training-Cover Letter”. Cover letter should include Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career. If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date. Due to sponsor funding requirements, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled at Columbia Basin College Nuclear Technology Program.

Requirements

Applicants must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and be successfully enrolled in Nuclear Technology Program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2026
Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher
Applicants must be 18 years of age by start date
Applicants must have successfully completed courses or training in Basic Nuclear Math and Physics (NT111), Radiation Fundamentals (RPT 111) and Physics for non-majors with lab (PHYS110)

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of a course in Nuclear Chemistry (NT 160) or concurrently enrolled (Spring 2026)
Have completed or within 6 months of completing a Nuclear Tech program
Demonstrates interest in Nuclear Technology and Operations
Familiarity with radiation safety, nuclear facility operations, or related coursework
Willingness to engage in active learning and adapt to dynamic training environments

Responsibilities

Participate in immersive instruction and training in glovebox, fume hood, and/or electromechanical manipulator operations, with a focus on protocols for hot cell environments.
Have the opportunity to earn internship credit in collaboration with their college or university.
Gain practical experience through simulations and hands-on use of workplace tools, technologies, and procedures.
Engage with mentors and subject matter experts to deepen technical knowledge and explore pathways in nuclear science and operations.

Benefits

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

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