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 rapidly transported, installed, and restored following disruptions. The internship supports structural hazard-hardening analysis of containerized substation modules, including switchgear and panel-type equipment, under seismic loading and transportation-induced vibration. The intern independently builds and runs finite-element models using SAP2000, ABAQUS, INL's MASTODON seismic analysis code, and other commercial FEA tools as needed. The work includes evaluating structural performance under seismic, shock, and transport loading; assessing vibration-isolation effects; and comparing 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. The team works a 9x80s schedule onsite at the Idaho Falls Campus. Internship start date and duration vary based on project and student availability. Course credit may be available subject to university approval.
Requirements
- Be enrolled full time in a master's or doctorate 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.
- Meet the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.
- Provide a current resume or CV, unofficial transcripts including current and completed degree programs, and a current class schedule with number of credits.
- Have coursework in structural dynamics, finite element analysis, and earthquake engineering.
- Have experience with FEA tools such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, or SAP2000, and scripting in Python or MATLAB.
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.
- Evaluate the effects of vibration isolation.
- Compare analysis results against baseline hazard-resistance criteria.
- Summarize findings in technical slides and report sections.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to project documentation.
Benefits
- Paid holiday time off.
- Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns.
- Course credit may be available if approved by the intern's university.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
