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Intern Project Engineer Jobs in Kennewick, WA (NOW HIRING)

Intern Project Engineer information

See Kennewick, WA salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do intern project engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern project engineer in Kennewick, WA is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an intern project engineer?

As an Intern Project Engineer, you can expect to assist in coordinating engineering project activities, such as preparing technical documentation, supporting senior engineers with design or site visits, and tracking project progress. Interns often work alongside multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to project management processes, client communication, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. The role is hands-on and offers valuable experience in applying engineering principles, making it a great stepping stone for a full-time engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern project engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Project Engineer, you need a foundational knowledge in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and academic progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and basic understanding of industry-specific codes or standards is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help you stand out in collaborative project environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting project teams, learning on the job, and contributing to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Intern Project Engineer vs Project Engineer?

AspectIntern Project EngineerProject Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering or related programBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, some experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role, learning-focused, supervised by senior staffResponsible for project planning, coordination, and execution
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with tasks, gaining industry knowledgeManaging project phases, liaising with teams and clients

The Intern Project Engineer role is an entry-level, learning position for students or recent graduates, focusing on support and skill development. The Project Engineer is a more experienced role with responsibilities for managing parts of projects, requiring relevant education and some experience. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of responsibilities.

What does an intern project engineer do?

An Intern Project Engineer supports engineering teams by assisting in the planning, design, and execution of projects. Typical tasks may include preparing project documentation, coordinating between departments, conducting site visits, and performing data analysis. The role is designed to give students or recent graduates practical experience in engineering project management while working under the supervision of experienced engineers. Intern Project Engineers learn industry standards, develop technical skills, and gain insight into the project's lifecycle from conception to completion.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Kennewick, WA?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Kennewick, WA are:

What cities near Kennewick, WA are hiring for Intern Project Engineer jobs?

Cities near Kennewick, WA with the most Intern Project Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Intern Project Engineer job openings in Kennewick, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,716 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Undergraduate Technical Intern - 325RPL Nuclear Facility

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Richland, WA • On-site

$17.13/hr

Internship

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview
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 directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.
The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL's 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio- the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory's history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning.
A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL's assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently.
The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio.
The Facilities & Infrastructure Operations (F&IO) Division is responsible for operating and maintaining PNNL's buildings, grounds, and utilities. The F&IO team includes plant engineering, fabrication, craft services, duplicating and mail services, facility program support, relocations, and receiving. F&IO is home to approximately 363 staff including more than 250 bargaining unit (union) staff.
Responsibilities
The role of the 325RPL Nuclear Facility Intern is to support System Engineering and Nuclear Facility Operations by assisting with configuration management, work planning, maintenance data analysis, procedure development, and facility operations documentation. The intern will contribute to maintaining accurate equipment and asset records, reviewing drawings and work packages, organizing maintenance histories, supporting post-maintenance testing and performance metrics, and assisting with facility modification and project documentation. This work will provide essential support for maintaining the configuration and operational readiness of 325RPL systems, structures, and components while strengthening work-control, maintenance-planning, and nuclear facility operations processes.
Responsibilities include:
  • Assist with updating equipment lists, asset records, labeling information, drawings, and configuration-management documentation.
  • Support development and reviews of work packages, maintenance procedures, facility modification documents, and post-maintenance testing requirements.
  • Perform data entry, quality checks, and basic analysis using Maximo and other facility databases, as assigned.
  • Assist with work planning, scheduling, permits, resource coordination, and documentation in accordance with established procedures and direct supervision of a qualified system engineer.
  • Review drawings, schematics, and facility documentation to help identify discrepancies or required updates.
  • Participate in facility walkdowns, activity observations, and meetings with engineering, operations, maintenance, and project teams.
  • Support construction and facility improvement projects by tracking action items, documentation, and system-engineering deliverables.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher
  • Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university
  • Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preferred areas of study include the sciences (biology, chemistry, computational science, data science, or engineering) with a strong interest in artificial intelligence/machine learning.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.
  • Must be detail-oriented, able to work with minimal supervision, possess strong communication skills, and be able to work in a team environment.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
  • This position requires the incumbent to be Rad Worker II qualified, as the position will involve entry into radiological areas.
  • Must be willing and able to work in radiologically controlled or high-hazard areas where response to potential emergencies requires the ability to walk with purpose during a building evacuation.

Additional Information
This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNL
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.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
Drug Free Workplace
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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
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.
Mandatory Requirements
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.
Rockstar Rewards
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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Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full salary range for each position in accordance with Washington State pay transparency requirements. While the full range is posted, starting salaries generally fall between the minimum and midpoint of the range, with individual offers determined based on relevant job-related experience, qualifications, internal pay equity, and available budget. This approach applies to all positions except those governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions with specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, PNNL does not ask for or consider current or past salary when making compensation offers. Instead, offers are based on the requirements of the position, relevant job-related skills and experience, prevailing market conditions, internal pay equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and available budget.
Minimum Salary
USD $17.13/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $27.02/Hr.

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About Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a premier research institution based in Richland, Washington, US. Operated by Battelle Memorial Institute under contract to the US Department of Energy (DOE), it is one of the DOE's seventeen national laboratories. PNNL primarily specializes in fields such as environmental science, energy, nuclear science, and national security. Founded in 1965, the lab has since been committed to its core values of integrity, creativity, collaboration, impact, and courage. Their mission is "to transform the world through courageous discovery and innovation." Notable achievements include significant contributions to projects like the Human Genome Project and the development of grid-friendly appliances.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Richland, WA, US

Year founded

1965