Engineering Intern, Fuel Development

Standard Nuclear is fueling America’s nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power—enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world. 

The Engineering Intern, Fuel Development supports Standard Nuclear’s fuel production and materials engineering activities through fabrication, testing, and characterization of high-temperature materials for NTP. The role contributes to hands-on work involving advanced ceramics, coatings, and related production processes. 

This part-time, hourly internship offers a graduate-level candidate the opportunity to support process commissioning, experimental activities, technical data analysis, and reporting. The intern works alongside engineers and technical personnel in laboratory and manufacturing settings while developing practical experience in materials and fuel production engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

High-Temperature Materials Fabrication & Testing 

• Support fabrication and testing of high-temperature materials for NTP applications.
• Assist with sample preparation, experimental work, and documentation of material and process results.
• Support external validation activities by preparing samples, test information, and technical records as needed.

CVD System Commissioning & Process Optimization 

• Assist with commissioning of the metal carbide chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system.
• Support process trials, evaluation of operating parameters, and efforts to improve process repeatability.
• Record observations and test data to support engineering troubleshooting and process optimization.

Materials Characterization & Data Analysis 

• Support characterization of uranium-bearing and non-uranium ceramics using metallography, SEM, EDS, XRD, density measurement, and carbon analysis.
• Organize and evaluate test data to identify material trends and process effects.
• Work with engineers to interpret results and identify follow-up testing needs.

Technical Reporting & Communication 

• Present findings through technical presentations and written reports.
• Maintain organized laboratory notes, test records, and engineering documentation.
• Communicate observations, results, and areas needing further investigation.

Cross-Functional Engineering Support 

• Provide additional materials engineering and fuel production support as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and characterization personnel.
• Follow site safety, radiological protection, quality, and operating procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Currently pursuing or holding a degree in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in fabrication and testing of ultra-high-temperature ceramics.
• Experience with ceramic coatings or related coating processes.
• Familiarity with characterization methods such as metallography, SEM, EDS, XRD, density measurement, or carbon analysis.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate technical findings through presentations or reports.
• Strong attention to detail and comfort with hands-on laboratory or manufacturing work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

This internship involves work across engineering, laboratory, and manufacturing environments. Activities may involve ceramics, high-temperature materials, coating equipment, sample preparation, and characterization instruments. Work involving uranium-bearing materials or radiological areas will follow approved procedures and applicable training requirements. Use of required PPE and adherence to site safety, quality, radiological, and environmental procedures is expected. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Standard Nuclear embraces equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. 

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.