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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Internship Program

At PNNL, our Computing and Information Technology organization is redefining how we work and innovate by reimagining the digital workplace. We empower research and streamline operations—making both faster, smarter, and more efficient—so our professionals can tackle some of the world's toughest challenges in science, energy, and national security. Our experts in AI, cybersecurity, design, and engineering work side by side, using real-time insights and human-centered design to break down barriers. Ready to make your mark on tomorrow? Come work with us.

Research Computing empowers researchers by removing technical barriers to discovery. We provide access to cutting-edge resources, including high-performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated compute, scientific software, research data management (featuring the PNNL Research Library), and cloud computing. Through events like TechFest, which brings staff together to showcase projects and discuss new research possibilities, we cultivate a vibrant culture of computing and drive interdisciplinary collaboration to advance computationally enabled science.

Program Overview

This is a cohort-based internship program. Interns work in small teams, each paired with mentors and project stewards from across the Lab. Assignments run 10 to 12 weeks with the possibility of extension. Participants will be starting in cohort sessions and must be available to start in May or June 2027.

The program includes:

• Strategically important projects with real deliverables in a team environment
• Weekly engagement with senior leadership, including briefings and a final presentation to our Directorate
• A dedicated full-time mentor, coaching sessions, workshops, and Lab tours
• Exposure to diverse career paths in research computing through collaboration with research scientists, engineers, and leadership
• Social and networking events throughout the program

Project Areas

Intern teams are assigned to projects based on skills and interests. Examples from previous cohorts:

• Implementing open-source ML workflow tools to enable research teams to automate and leverage ML platforms
• Prototyping private Generative AI environments to explore how these technologies can transform research processes
• Optimizing and parallelizing scientific codes for supercomputers, including participation in a high-performance coding bootcamp
• Building cloud "blueprint" templates on AWS, Azure, and GCP to help scientists and engineers provision cloud services
• Developing CI/CD pipelines and supporting application migration with software engineering teams

What We Are Looking For

We are recruiting across three tracks. You do not need to fit all three; identify the one that best matches your coursework and interests.

Software Development Track

• Coursework or project experience in one or more of: Python, C, C#, JavaScript, React, or R
• Interest in building tools, APIs, or applications that support scientific research

Data Engineering Track

• Coursework or project experience in one or more of: Python, R, SQL, or data pipeline concepts
• Interest in research data management, ML workflows, or analytics infrastructure

IT / Cloud Engineering Track

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) or computing infrastructure concepts
• Foundational knowledge of configuration management, CI/CD, or infrastructure-as-code tools

Across all tracks, we value curiosity, willingness to learn, comfort working in teams, and the ability to communicate technical work to non-technical audiences.

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 3.0

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Human-Centered Design, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field
• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher

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.

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from