Summer High School Research Intern - Reactor Technologies

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

16d • Onsite

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.
The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a high school student for the Summer High School Research Internship (HSRI). This internship provides an opportunity for students interested in preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) to work during the summer year with a scientist/mentor in a specified research area. HSRI is a 10-week program, estimated based on start date; the anticipated start date for summer cohort will be June 16, 2026.
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.
Due to the nature of this program, applicants must be currently enrolled in a local Tri-Cities, WA area high school. This internship is designed to be onsite and requires interns to work in person at our Richland, WA location to support hands-on learning and collaboration.

Requirements

• 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)

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• create and validate FE models compatible with TPBAR geometry
• perform parametric studies to evaluate performance and failure margins across a range of candidate coating materials and thicknesses
• examine both in-reactor and ex-reactor conditions (e.g., thermal gradients, irradiation-induced effects, mechanical loading, and transients) to determine coating robustness and potential failure modes.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED