Graduate Internship - Operations & Strategy Management

Does an internship focused on changing the world's energy future intrigue you? If so, we might have just the opportunity you're looking for!

By completing this single application, you will be considered for Graduate Internships for Science & Technology projects. Answer the application questions to help us match your knowledge and experience with project qualifications. Applicants may be considered for multiple projects, and mentors will contact those who meet the qualifications. Internships offer flexible start and end dates to accommodate university schedules. Early applications are encouraged to increase your opportunities.

INL recruiters will use this information to align students with relevant opportunities for the 2025/2026 intern season. If selected, a hiring team member will contact you to discuss next steps.

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) invites graduate students to apply to a high-impact internship focused on operational strategy and institutional leadership. This opportunity is for students pursuing advanced degrees who are ready to apply their expertise to complex, real-world challenges supporting INL's mission in nuclear energy, national security, and critical infrastructure.

Graduate interns will collaborate with senior professionals to assess organizational systems, evaluate operational performance, and develop data-informed recommendations that enhance strategic decision-making and efficiency across INL's business and operations areas. These may include human capital, finance, communications, supply chain, policy, and emergency preparedness. Interns are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, initiative, and the ability to translate analytical insights into actionable strategies that drive institutional performance.

To explore examples of past student research, visit the INL Internship Poster Session Archive.

To learn more about INL's work and operations, visit our INL Fact Sheets, which provide overviews of INL's organizational structure, research capabilities, and business systems that support national energy and security missions.

Common Majors

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to strategic projects that involve organizational assessment, operational analysis, or performance optimization.
• Apply advanced research, modeling, or evaluation techniques to inform policy, process design, or resource planning.
• Prepare and present findings, reports, and recommendations to support decision-making by INL leaders and stakeholders.
• Engage in enrichment activities including workshops and networking.
• Other duties, projects, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Enrolled full-time as an graduate student at an accredited college or university

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0

• Authorization to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT)

• Available for a 10-16 week, up to 40 hours per week, on-site internship

Application Requirements:

• Current Resume or CV

• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)

• Current class schedule and number of credits

Compensation and Benefits

• Master's and PhD Internships (Pre-Candidacy): $32.87/hour - $35.26/hour

• Paid holiday time off

• Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible interns

Clearance Note

While INL accepts candidates authorized to work in the U.S. (including CPT and OPT), some internship projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" or "Q" clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.

Additional Information

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,200 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and develop technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.

INL hosts nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL's mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in several operations and business subject areas.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL, males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information, visit www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Physical Requirements
The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, operate a computer keyboard or type, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification. The duties require sitting for long periods. The employee must occasionally lift 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, conduct research and inspect materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, by telephone or electronic mail. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.