Metallurgical Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is hosting a Minerals to Materials Supply Chain Research Facility (METALLIC) Laboratory-to-Industry-For Talent (LIFT) internship program. METALLIC is a Department of Energy (DOE) initiative led by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and supported by a consortium of nine national laboratories. METALLIC LIFT is an emerging workforce development effort that is part of the broader METALLIC ecosystem. It embeds workforce development directly into the critical minerals and materials (CMM) innovation ecosystem and provides a key pathway to careers in the supply-chain ecosystem. LIFT is designed to deliver impact immediately, helping to create career interest now, while building durable talent pipelines aligned with DOE priorities. LIFT strategically leverages DOE national laboratory capabilities and facilities to drive institutional capacity, create jobs, and pave pathways to CMM careers in the Lab system and with industry. Integrating workforce into METALLIC ensures technical advances translate into deployable capacity, resilient regional ecosystems, and a workforce capable of securing America's critical mineral future.
PNNL is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in participating at either the Richland or Seattle campus.
The internship begins on September 28, 2026. Applicants must be available to start on that date and work on-site. During the academic year, interns are required to work between 10 and 15 hours per week.
****HOW TO APPLY****
To have a complete application package, the below must be uploaded correctly for consideration:

• 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).

If a resume is not uploaded, 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.
Responsibilities
The METALLIC LIFT interns will support multidisciplinary research and program activities focused on strengthening domestic critical minerals and materials supply chains. Interns will work alongside scientists, engineers, and program managers from PNNL and partner national laboratories to advance technology validation, testing, analysis, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Interns will work on novel bench-scale separation technologies, scale up activities, and diverse range of characterization techniques.
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 and have achieved at least sophomore academic standing by September 28, 2026.
• Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.50
• Must be able to start on September 28, 2026
• Applicants must be able to work during the academic year and summer

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Demonstrates interest in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
• Demonstrates interest in critical minerals and materials research
• Relevant coursework desired: Chemistry, Engineering

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not applicable.
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
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 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.
Minimum Salary
USD $17.13/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $27.02/Hr.