Structural Engineering Intern - Summer 2027
About The Position
Idaho National Laboratory is leading a DOE Office of Electricity project to develop standardized, containerized modular substations that can be transported, installed, and restored rapidly following disruptions. This internship supports structural hazard-hardening analysis by evaluating how containerized substation modules, including switchgear and panel-type equipment, perform under seismic loading and transportation-induced vibration. The intern independently builds and runs finite-element models of containerized substation modules using SAP2000, ABAQUS, INL’s MASTODON (MOOSE-based) seismic analysis code, and other commercial FEA tools as needed. The analysis covers seismic, shock, and transport loading, including vibration-isolation effects, and compares results with baseline hazard-resistance criteria. The intern summarizes findings in technical slides and report sections, participates in team meetings, and contributes to broader project documentation. The position reports to the Risk and Reliability Research team, which works a 9x80 schedule onsite at INL’s Idaho Falls Campus. The internship start date and duration vary based on the project and student availability. Course credit may be available if approved by the student’s university.
Requirements
- Be enrolled full time in a master’s or doctoral degree program at an accredited college or university, studying civil, structural, mechanical, or earthquake engineering, or a related field.
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
- Provide a current resume or CV, unofficial transcripts including current and completed degree programs, and current class schedule and number of credits.
- Coursework in structural dynamics, finite element analysis, and earthquake engineering.
- Experience with FEA tools such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, or SAP2000, and scripting in Python or MATLAB.
- Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with MOOSE, MASTODON, or other open-source simulation frameworks.
- Knowledge of seismic design standards such as ASCE 7 or IEEE 693, or equipment qualification.
- Interest in critical infrastructure and power systems.
Responsibilities
- Build and run finite-element models of containerized substation modules.
- Assess structural performance under seismic, shock, and transportation loading, including vibration-isolation effects.
- Compare analysis results against baseline hazard-resistance criteria.
- Summarize findings in technical slides and report sections.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to broader project documentation.
Benefits
- Potential eligibility for university course credit, subject to university approval.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
