Undergraduate Intern - Mechanical Engineer - Winter 2027

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

The Environmental Sensors team within the Earth System Predictability & Resiliency Group of PNNL’s Earth Systems Science Division is seeking an undergraduate mechanical engineering intern to support interdisciplinary research projects. The team develops advanced sensing systems for Earth system science and renewable energy. Sensors are designed to be fast, accurate, versatile, lightweight, small, and soft, and may be adapted for challenging settings such as the deep subsurface and Arctic environments, as well as chemical detection. Projects include studying and mitigating wind energy’s environmental impacts by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry, and studying the environmental impacts of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems by tracking fish and other animals in rivers or oceans using underwater acoustic telemetry. The position’s primary scope includes advanced sensor design and testing, digital signal acquisition in laboratory settings, data processing and analysis, and assistance with report writing.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED or higher.
Be a degree-seeking undergraduate student pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at an accredited college or university.
Be taking at least 6 credit hours.
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 environmental sensor projects.
Contribute to advanced sensor design and testing.
Perform digital signal acquisition in laboratory settings.
Process and analyze data.
Assist with report writing.
Support research on detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry to study and mitigate wind energy impacts.
Support research on detecting and tracking fish or other animals using underwater acoustic telemetry to study hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic energy impacts.