Undergraduate Intern – Electrical Engineer - Winter 2027

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

1d

About The Position

The Environmental Sensors team within the Earth System Predictability & Resiliency Group of the Earth Systems Science Division is seeking an undergraduate electrical engineering intern to support interdisciplinary research projects. The team develops advanced sensors for Earth system science and renewable energy, including compact, lightweight, soft, fast, accurate, and versatile sensors that can be adapted for challenging environments such as the deep subsurface and Arctic, as well as chemical detection. Projects also study environmental impacts of wind energy by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry, and of hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic energy systems by detecting and tracking aquatic animals using underwater acoustic telemetry.

The position focuses on advanced sensor design and testing, digital signal acquisition in laboratory settings, data processing and analysis, and assistance with report writing. The intern will work in a multidisciplinary research and development setting at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students pursuing an electrical engineering degree, enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. The position is listed for Winter 2027. The posted hourly pay range is USD $17.13 to $27.02.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or higher.
• Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student pursuing an electrical engineering degree at an accredited college or university.
• Must be taking at least 6 credit hours.
• Must have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hand tools, general laboratory equipment, and computer electronics.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical system design and testing.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and a high value placed on work quality.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary development team.

Responsibilities

• Support interdisciplinary projects conducted by the Environmental Sensors team.
• Contribute to developing advanced sensing systems for Earth system science and renewable energy.
• Assist with studies of wind energy impacts by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry.
• Assist with studies of hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic energy impacts by detecting and tracking fish or other animals using underwater acoustic telemetry.
• Design and test advanced sensors.
• Perform digital signal acquisition in laboratory settings.
• Process and analyze data.
• Assist with report writing.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program.
• Business travel insurance.
• Company-funded pension plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
• 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED