Intern , R&D Graduate Year-Round - Solar Thermal Test & Demonstration, Onsite

About the role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern Year Round to support our staff in developing and analyzing advanced thermal energy systems at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility. This individual should expect to spend their time modeling both existing and new or novel thermal systems for process heat and power applications. They should also expect and be able to support working closely with our technologists with hands-on projects outside and around the facility.

On Any Given Day You Should Expect To

• Spend time modeling both existing and novel thermal storage systems against provided criteria
• Support on-site and outdoors experiments on the site
• Work closely with peers and site engineers to execute critical modeling work
• Take on challenging problems and projects

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require

• Earned bachelor's degree
• Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.

Qualifications We Desire

• Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Some familiarity with Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) or other thermal energy systems
• Experience using 3D CAD modeling software with ANSYS a plus
• Demonstrated experience using MS Office and excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience working in an industrial facility or operational environment
• Experience in test operations and experimental design
• Experience using basic hand tools (Drills, wrenches, and Multimeters)
• Knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, or material mechanics
• Experience using LabView or any DAQ/control software
• Any experience programming in Labview, Matlab, or Python

About Our Team

The Solar Thermal Test & Demonstration department operates Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF), a globally unique, multi-mission R&D capability that enables pioneering research and technology development for energy and aerospace applications. Using concentrated sunlight, our team creates extreme thermal and combined harsh environments for tests ranging from small-scale coupons to full-scale, multi-story components and systems. We develop and test advanced thermal protection materials, optical metrology systems, innovative solar thermal energy technologies, and heat transfer technologies, including heat exchangers and heat pumps.

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance