Internship Opportunities at INL
Gain hands-on experience in science, energy, and national security.
Real-World Experience That Drives Innovation
As a Department of Energy facility, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) offers a diverse number of paid internship positions to high school, undergraduate and graduate students. These internship opportunities enable students to collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers in order to develop innovative solutions to challenging, real-world projects.
INL hires hundreds of students from around the country each year to work under the guidance of experienced and talented mentors. The majority of INL internships are in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, such as nuclear engineering, chemistry, computer science and physics. However, INL also needs operations and strategy staff and offers internships in fields such as business, communications and logistics.
Most prospective interns will apply through one of four postings and then be considered for many potential positions:
What to Expect as an INL Intern
Interns will spend the first week of their assignment working with their mentors to outline the work scope and to secure resources for a successful internship. Over the course of the internship, the mentor will provide considerable program assistance and mentorship to the intern. In addition to regular activities, interns are encouraged to attend weekly seminars, tours and networking events crafted with career development in mind.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a full-time student attending an accredited high school or college the semester before and after an internship award.
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
- International students who attend an accredited U.S. college or university must have a current Curricular Practical Training Authorization.
Application Requirements
- Your latest college transcripts.
- A current résumé or CV.
- Current class schedule (including number of credits) OR copy of diploma if graduated within the past six months.
Additional Internships Through the U.S. Department of Energy
University students can also intern at INL through other federal internship programs.
Dept. of Energy –
Office of Science
DOE’s role in workforce development has primarily focused upon the support of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers through research and development awards at universities and at the DOE national laboratories.
Dept. of Energy – Nuclear Energy University Program
DOE-NE’s University Nuclear Leadership Program awards undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships as part of DOE’s commitment to educate the next generation nuclear workforce.
Dept. of Energy – Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
ORISE is a DOE asset dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research, and health initiatives of the department and it laboratory system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the internship?
INL’s internship terms are designed to match a typical university term, lasting anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks.
How many hours do interns work each week?
Summer interns should come to INL expecting to work 40 hours. There is, however, flexibility within that 40-hour workweek to assist interns with scheduling conflicts, if needed.
Will I be paid during my internship?
INL interns are paid a nationally competitive wage that is based on the number of credits they have earned and degree program they are enrolled in.
Interns are included in the INL paid holiday schedule and many of our internships offer travel reimbursements and a generous housing stipend.
What amenities are available during my internship?
INL is located in eastern Idaho, which is near two national parks (Grand Teton, Yellowstone), Jackson, WY, Sun Valley, numerous golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and whitewater rafting and fly fishing hotspots.