Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Internship Spring and Summer 2026

Reporting to the Senior Manager of the Fuel Fabrication & Nuclear Materials Management Program, you will take part in hands-on, research-driven projects that advance nuclear fuel development, materials characterization, irradiation experiment assembly, and facility engineering in a radiological environment at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). You will collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and technicians to design experiments, analyze data, and deliver solutions that support innovative nuclear energy research. Your assignments will be tailored to your background, education, and interests, offering meaningful exposure to advanced technology and critical operations.

Some of the projects you may work on include:
* Alloying, casting, and other metallurgical processing of uranium alloys
* Employing advanced manufacturing techniques for nuclear fuel development, including SPS/EFAS and 3D printing
* Developing powder metallurgy techniques for ceramic and composite fuels, materials testing, sample preparation, and characterization using advanced methods such as SEM, XRD, BET, and optical microscopy
* Assembling and qualifying experimental equipment for INL test reactors, including welding development, irradiation test rigs, and nondestructive examinations
* Designing and fabricating tools or hardware for fuel fabrication and irradiation assembly
* Performing data analysis and reporting findings to support research initiatives

Technical skills and experience that will help you succeed:
While not all are required for every project, you will benefit from having experience in:
* CAD software for experimental equipment design applications
* Materials characterization techniques (optical, laser, and scanning electron microscopy; XRD)
* Sample preparation for metallography or material testing (polishing, mounting, etching)
* Welding, furnace operations, pressure/vacuum systems, additive manufacturing
* Working in a radiological laboratory, research lab, or manufacturing environment
* Understanding nuclear operations, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance processes
* Writing technical documentation and contributing to research publications or technical reports

In this paid position, you will participate in formal report preparation, contribute to high-impact nuclear energy research, and gain hands-on experience in advanced scientific and engineering projects. Start dates and duration vary based on project needs and your availability.

• Strong communication skills and demonstration of ability to work with a broad range of others in different disciplines
• Experience performing work both independently and as part of a team

• High level of attention to detail/ detail orientated with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality
• Undergraduate or Graduate student enrolled full time at an accredited college/university studying Material Science, Nuclear, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering or closely related degrees.
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)

Application Requirements:

• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits

Compensation and Benefits:

• Undergraduate Internships ($26.16/hour - $31.47/hour)
• Masters Internships and PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($32.87/hour - $35.26/hour)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($35.95/hour - $38.41/hour)
• Eligible interns are provided paid holiday time off, and many of our internships offer travel reimbursements.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL hosts over 550 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL's mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in several operations and business subject areas.

Selective Service Requirements To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Physical Requirements: The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, operate a computer keyboard or type, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification. The duties require sitting for long periods. The employee must occasionally lift 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, conduct research and inspect materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, by telephone or electronic mail. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasonable Accommodation We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited.

Questions? UniversityRecruiting@inl.gov