DOE Nuclear Technician Training Internship

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is offering a unique internship opportunity focused on Nuclear Technician Careers. This internship will introduce interns to research related careers in the nuclear sector and provide an opportunity to explore specialized skills, gain hands-on experience, and participate in industry-led training. Interns will receive instruction and training centered on the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success as a nuclear technician. Content will center on: (1) Radiological Glovebox Operation and (2) Radiological Fume Hood Operations. Interns may also receive training related to Electromechanical Manipulator Operations in Hot Cells. The internship will enable participants to develop and practice introductory technical skills that require years to master, receive mentorship from industry experts, learn about career opportunities in the field, and participate in a unique educational experience.

Interns will be based at facilities at and near PNNL Richland campus and Columbia Basin College (CBC). Applicants must have reliable transportation to commute between multiple program sites, including the HAMMER Federal Training Center, PNNL, and CBC.

This is an 11-week internship running from April 6, 2026 to June 17, 2026. Applicants must be available to start on April 6 and work 12–20 hours per week.

****HOW TO APPLY****

To have a complete application package, the (2) listed items below are required and must be uploaded correctly per the steps below for consideration:

• Step 1: Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the resume uploaded will be the resume used for all positions an applicant applies towards).
• Step 2: Upload a Cover Letter separately in “Additional Documents” section of the application titled “Nuclear Tech Training-Cover Letter”.

Cover letter should include Statement of interest, reference relevant college courses, and relevant experience that may include extracurricular activities that have prepared you for this career.

If any of the components (resume and cover letter) are not uploaded per the instructions above, applications will be rejected and will no longer be considered. Electronic applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Due to sponsor funding requirements, eligibility for this internship is limited to students enrolled at Columbia Basin College Nuclear Technology Program.

Led by PNNL’s Office of STEM Education and Workforce Development, and delivered in collaboration with PNNL technical experts, Columbia Basin College (CBC) Nuclear Technology faculty, and regional nuclear training professionals, interns will: 

• Participate in immersive instruction and training in glovebox, fume hood, and/or electromechanical manipulator operations, with a focus on protocols for hot cell environments.
• Have the opportunity to earn internship credit in collaboration with their college or university.
• Gain practical experience through simulations and hands-on use of workplace tools, technologies, and procedures.
• Engage with mentors and subject matter experts to deepen technical knowledge and explore pathways in nuclear science and operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and be successfully enrolled in Nuclear Technology Program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2026

• Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher

• Applicants must be 18 years of age by start date

• Applicants must have successfully completed courses or training in Basic Nuclear Math and Physics (NT111), Radiation Fundamentals (RPT 111) and Physics for non-majors with lab (PHYS110)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a course in Nuclear Chemistry (NT 160) or concurrently enrolled (Spring 2026)
• Have completed or within 6 months of completing a Nuclear Tech program
• Demonstrates interest in Nuclear Technology and Operations
• Familiarity with radiation safety, nuclear facility operations, or related coursework
• Willingness to engage in active learning and adapt to dynamic training environments

While interns will not directly handle hazardous materials, they may participate in supervised tours or training activities within controlled-access nuclear facilities, such as the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory at PNNL and nuclear waste management areas. These environments follow strict safety protocols, and appropriate personal protective equipment and training will be provided.

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Regular Hourly:

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.

Temporary Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

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PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.