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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Masters Summer Intern- Computer Science

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · United States

  • Hybrid
  • Internship
  • $43,366 / year
  • United States

Job highlights

  • Design and implement AI agents for infrastructure planning.
  • Develop AI for cybersecurity program maturity.
  • Requires AI training, testing, and validation.
  • Opportunity to work on real-world challenges.
  • Internship in a leading research laboratory.

About the role

Masters Summer Intern - Computer Science

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

Responsibilities

The intern will work with PNNL staff to:

  • Design, implement, and test an AI agent for two specific tasks: Simplify user interactions and answer complex infrastructure planning queries for multi-criteria decision making in large-scale infrastructure planning, and Enable users of the C2M2 to advance the maturity of their cybersecurity program.
  • The work will require an understanding of AI training, testing, and validation.
  • Furthermore, the intern may be required to work with PNNL staff in the deployment of the tool.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Candidates must be matriculated/enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current enrollment in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or a closely related field.
  • Preferred coursework or project experience in: machine learning/NLP, information retrieval, software engineering, and/or cybersecurity.
  • Nice-to-have (not required): relevant certifications or training such as Azure/AWS fundamentals, Security+ (or equivalent), or prior research/industry experience with applied AI.

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.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Key skills/competency

  • AI Agent Development
  • Machine Learning
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Cybersecurity Program Maturity
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Software Engineering
  • Data Analytics
  • AI Training, Testing, and Validation
  • Computer Science
  • Master's Degree

Skills & topics

  • Computer Science Intern
  • AI
  • Machine Learning
  • NLP
  • Cybersecurity
  • Software Engineering
  • Data Analytics
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Research Internship
  • PNNL

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight Master's-level coursework and project experience in ML, NLP, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Emphasize your GPA and relevant field of study.
  • Showcase AI expertise: Detail any experience with AI training, testing, and validation, as well as AI agent implementation.
  • Research PNNL's mission: Understand PNNL's focus on energy, environment, and national security to align your application with their goals.
  • Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI, machine learning, NLP, and cybersecurity concepts.
  • Network if possible: Connect with current PNNL employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the lab's culture and research areas.

Technical preparation

Practice implementing AI agents.,Review machine learning and NLP concepts.,Familiarize with cybersecurity principles.,Brush up on software engineering practices.

Behavioral questions

Describe a complex problem you solved.,How do you handle project challenges?,Tell me about a time you collaborated.,How do you approach learning new technologies?

Frequently asked questions

What specific AI tasks will a Computer Science Master's Intern at PNNL work on?
As a Computer Science Master's Intern at PNNL, you will design, implement, and test an AI agent. This agent will focus on simplifying user interactions and answering complex infrastructure planning queries for multi-criteria decision making, as well as enabling users to advance their cybersecurity program maturity.
What qualifications are essential for the PNNL Computer Science Master's Internship?
To be eligible for this internship, you must be enrolled in a Master's program at an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Current enrollment in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Cybersecurity is preferred, along with coursework or project experience in machine learning, NLP, software engineering, or cybersecurity.
What is the work arrangement for the Masters Summer Intern - Computer Science position at PNNL?
While the job description does not explicitly state the work arrangement, internships at research laboratories often involve on-site work to facilitate collaboration and access to specialized equipment. It is recommended to confirm the work arrangement directly with the hiring team.
What are the career opportunities after completing the Computer Science Master's Internship at PNNL?
PNNL is a world-class research institution with opportunities in various scientific and technological fields. Successful interns may be considered for future full-time positions based on their performance, program needs, and PNNL's hiring priorities. The internship provides valuable experience in applied AI and cybersecurity within a leading national laboratory.
What kind of projects can I expect to work on as a Masters Summer Intern - Computer Science at PNNL?
You can expect to work on a project involving the design, implementation, and testing of an AI agent. This agent will address complex challenges in infrastructure planning and cybersecurity program maturity, requiring a strong understanding of AI training, testing, and validation. You might also be involved in the deployment of the tool.
Does PNNL offer opportunities for international students for the Computer Science Master's Internship?
PNNL does consider foreign national candidates. However, there are specific requirements regarding U.S. residency and the acquisition of a PIV credential or a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination. It is crucial for international candidates to review these requirements carefully on the PNNL careers page or contact them directly.