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Nuclear Engineering Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer I I&C - Internship

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Successful candidate will be relied upon to perform a variety of engineering and design activities ... Ability to pass security and drug screening and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access is ...

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How much do nuclear engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear engineering intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Nuclear Engineering Intern do?

A Nuclear Engineering Intern supports experienced engineers in projects related to nuclear energy, radiation safety, and reactor operation. Typical duties include assisting with research, data analysis, equipment testing, and preparing technical reports. Interns may also help monitor systems for safety and efficiency, participate in simulations, and learn about regulatory compliance. The role provides hands-on experience and exposure to the daily operations and challenges within the nuclear engineering field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Engineering Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Engineering Intern, you typically need a solid grounding in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, supported by progress toward a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or MCNP), CAD programs, and an understanding of industry regulations are often expected. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate and solve complex technical problems. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, contributing to innovative solutions, and supporting the demanding standards of the nuclear industry.

What types of projects and tasks can a Nuclear Engineering Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Nuclear Engineering Intern, you can expect to support ongoing projects related to reactor design, safety analysis, or radiation protection. Typical tasks include assisting with simulations, data analysis, technical report writing, and participating in team meetings. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced engineers and researchers, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software and laboratory equipment. This role provides exposure to real-world engineering challenges and offers opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that impact energy generation and safety.

What is the difference between Nuclear Engineering Intern vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectNuclear Engineering InternNuclear Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a bachelor's or master's in nuclear engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering; often requires licensure or professional certification
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, research labs, nuclear power plants, or engineering firmsFull-time professional roles in nuclear power plants, research facilities, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by educational institutions, internship programs, and entry-level positionsUsed by nuclear power companies, government agencies, and engineering firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level experience and career developmentCompared for career progression and professional responsibilities

The main difference between a Nuclear Engineering Intern and a Nuclear Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and career stage. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Nuclear Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing, analyzing, and overseeing nuclear systems.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Engineering Intern jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Engineering Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Engineering Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Engineering Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

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Posted 27 days ago


Job description

 

Idaho National Laboratory University/College Internships-Nuclear Nonproliferation

Typical Degree Programs Sought Include: (Nuclear Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, and Forensics)
 
Please note that if you are interested in other INL internship categories in addition to this one, you will need to complete the application for each of those categories as well. Most of the information you provide while completing the initial application carries over to your new applications. You will have to review your previously submitted information in each step, ensure it is complete and then click the submit button on the final step.
 

The Opportunity:

 

Internships at Idaho National Laboratory  

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) hosts over 300 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 various operations and business disciplines.

Join INL's team and find your exceptional educational experience in a real-world work environment.  INL offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, innovate and conduct research with top researchers and professionals.

The Deliverables:

Interns will spend the first week of their assignment working with their mentor to outline their work scope and to secure resources for a successful internship.  For the next several weeks, the mentor will provide considerable program assistance and guidance to the intern.  In addition to regular activities, interns are invited to attend weekly seminars, tours and community events designed with career development in mind.  Completion of a final project is highly recommended and can be completed through a variety of mediums - a traditional poster, electronic presentation or video.

The Process:

Through this single application, you are considered for all internship projects related to INL Nuclear Nonproliferation (Nuclear Nonproliferation. Simply complete the application questions which will help us identify what knowledge and experience you already have that may be related to the preferred qualifications for each individual internship project. It is common for applicants to receive consideration for multiple projects at varying times throughout the process. Mentors will make direct contact with applicants who meet their project qualifications to share the specific details of the project. On average, INL plans for approximately 300 internships each year.  Most internships provide flexibility with start and end dates to account for varying university term schedules.  We encourage early applications to increase the number of opportunities available to you.

The Projects:

Internship projects may focus on a wide variety of nonproliferation. INL operates unique assets to support a broad range of technology testing and evaluation to assist in the safeguarding and securing nuclear materials and facilities. Below are descriptions of the type of projects a student may work on:

--Support accelerator-based production of short-lived fission products and photonuclear production of isotopes. Experience with radiation detection, high-purity germanium detectors, data acquisition, photonuclear physics, and Monte-Carlo particle transport modeling is desired. Previous internship experience at a national laboratory is also desired.

--Support modeling and data collection for a project to characterize and analyze irradiated fuel using a high purity gamma ray detector.

--Support the Advance Test Reactor Low Enriched Uranium Fuel Conversion Project in defining technical and functional requirements for new and modified tools and equipment. Work with others to complete a conceptual design Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry summer intern. The student will perform sample preparation, separations, and analyses of environmental samples. A strong background in Analytical Chemistry is desired. Experience working with environmental samples (digestions, extractions, separations, etc) is also desired. The student must be a U.S. citizen and be able to pass a background check. of the ancillary tools and equipment needed for conversion of the reactor

Required Qualifications:
All Internship Candidates Must:
  • Have the ability to pass a background check
  • Possess a minimum overall 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Complete this application, which is used to place students based on their academic interests, coursework, knowledge and communication skills
  • Enrolled full time student status at an accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, PhD).
Note:  Many INL community college interns are hired through the U.S. Department of Energy's Community College Internship Program. We recommend you also apply to DOE's Internship Program at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/cci/
 
Helpful Tips to Prepare You for Your INL Internship Application:
  1. Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
  3. Current class schedule and number of credits
Recommendations:
  • Work with your career center to develop a resume or CV that is functional (this is your opportunity for a first impression)
  • Review the INL website and learn more about our business and research programs and how they could enrich your degree plan https://www.inl.gov/
  • Ask your professors if they have collaborated on INL research programs and seek their permission to list them as a reference
  • Review the INL Academic Partnerships web site for valuable information on our internship programs  https://www.inl.gov/inl-initiatives/education/
Internship Programs Specialists: 
 Ali Josephson (ali.josephson@inl.gov)         Brian Rucks (brian.rucks@inl.gov)
Delisa Rogers (delisa.rogers@inl.gov)          Myken Johnson (myken.johnson@inl.gov)      Thomas Steele (thomas.steele@inl.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.