Undergraduate or Graduate Internship Critical Material Enabling Analysis

Posting Title

Undergraduate or Graduate Internship for Critical Material Enabling Analysis

CO - Golden

Intern (Fixed Term)

40

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world‑class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future.

Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost‑effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you'll find a mission‑driven environment supported by state‑of‑the‑art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories.

We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well‑being.

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of energy and energy‑efficiency technologies, critical material production technologies, as well as research and developments on chemicals. This position is part of the Integrated Modeling and Economic Analysis (IMEA) team within NLR's Strategic Energy Analysis and Decision Science (SEADS) Directorate. Primary responsibilities of team members include the development of conceptual process designs and the economic and sustainability analyses of conversion technologies for critical materials to address national security in producing domestic critical materials.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) knowledge is desirable, with specific experience in accessing and retrieving data from LCI databases (US Federal Data Commons, Ecoinvent, etc.). Additional responsibilities involve collecting supply‑chain data and incorporating insights into the analysis of critical minerals and manufacturing locations. The Minerals to Materials Supply Chain Facility (METALLIC) project enabling activity team is seeking a graduate or post‑graduate intern for a one‑year appointment, providing support in these activities.

Must be enrolled as a full‑time student in a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree program, or graduated in the past 12 months from an accredited institution. Candidates who have earned a degree may work for a period not to exceed 12 months. Must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

• You will need to upload official or unofficial school transcripts as part of the application process.
• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Python coding knowledge.
• Knowledge and application of process simulation software, such as Aspen Plus or PrOMMiS, for developing conceptual process models.
• Remote work is an option, with the intent to be on NLR campus during the summer.

• Demonstrated experience in process and design engineering, scale‑up, costing, and TEA methodologies, including process considerations for equipment design optimization.
• Knowledge of LCI databases (US Federal Commons, Ecoinvent, etc.).
• Knowledge of supply‑chain analysis. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemical, environmental, mechanical or process engineering.

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $51,200 - $81,900. NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected…