Energy Supply Student Internship: Fusion Student Employee

Job Title

Energy Supply Student Internship: Fusion Student Employee

Location:

Charlotte, NC

Job Summary And Description

EPRI was ranked the #4 internship program within the Energy & Renewables industry in 2025 according to Vault!

EPRI’s Nuclear Sector focuses on a wide spectrum of research and development (R&D) across all nuclear reactor technologies, encompassing both existing nuclear plant operation and new nuclear plant development and deployment. The research supports EPRI’s mission of delivering independent, objective thought leadership and industry expertise to help the energy sector identify issues, technology gaps, and broader needs that can be addressed for the benefit of society. Research may include materials science, advanced manufacturing and construction, welding, nondestructive evaluation, nuclear fuels, chemistry, radiation safety, data science/AI, plant operations and maintenance, risk and safety management, instrumentation and control, waste management, and environmental sciences.

Students participating in the summer semester will typically work at the EPRI Charlotte location, with some positions specific to a laboratory setting. Students will take part in EPRI’s Energy Supply summer student internship program experience.

The Summer Internship Experience Provides a Technical Mentor, Training, And Social And Professional Networking Opportunities In Addition To Guided Project-focused Research Work. This Unique Setting Will Provide Students With Rare, But Essential Practical Insight To Industry Problems And Issues And Improve Links To Academic Coursework. Other Development And Social Activities In Prior Years Have Included

- Lunch and learns with past interns, current EPRI employees

- Team building activities, for example a trip to the National Whitewater Center

- Tours of local power generation facilities

- EPRI lab tours

- Final presentations by summer student internship employees to their peers, mentors and other EPRI technical staff

Students may be hired into one of many research programs in the Energy supply (Generation & Nuclear Sectors) to work over the May to August time frame. Students who demonstrate exemplary skillsets and learning over this ~12-week period may be asked to work part time after the summer period and/or be invited in subsequent years to extend their exposure to the EPRI Energy Sector.

This position will support EPRI’s Fusion Energy Strategic Program, which seeks to enable and accelerate commercialization of fusion as a firm, non-emitting, scalable energy source. This internship will help maintain EPRI’s and EPRI stakeholders’ awareness of the fusion energy industry landscape. Key activities include maintaining a technology scouting database of fusion technologies, identifying challenges and advantages relevant to various fusion technology concepts, and assisting on other R&D projects related to needs for fusion deployment and future fusion end-user engagement. The Student Employee may be expected to provide high-level written report outs and presentations on findings.

Candidates

EPRI is looking for exceptionally talented science and engineering students wishing to gain additional experience in the power industry. Typical majors could include, but are not limited to the following:

- Engineering / Science - Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace / Aeronautical, Materials, Welding, Chemical / Chemistry, Computer, Environmental, or similar fields

- Information Technology / Cyber Security

- Data Science / AI

- Physics

- Nuclear Engineering

Typical Activities And Responsibilities Include The Following

- Conduct literature surveys and clear documentation of results in written and visual form.

- Work with technical mentors to gain experience in addressing real-world challenges, drivers, and priorities that impact power generation.

- Conduct research and assigned tasks independently, but still be willing to interface with other peers and a technical mentor on a regular basis.

An Ideal Candidate will typically have the following qualifications. Exceptions have been made for students with exemplary background and interviews:

- Be at least starting their junior year (3rd year) in Fall, while some projects will prefer M.S. or PhD graduate-level students graduating in next 1-2 years.

- Working knowledge of core degree areas.

- Willingness to take on new challenges.

- Worked on group projects as part of classes.

- Willingness to work and network with peer student interns at EPRI.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills.

The Hourly Rate Range For Student Positions Are

- Undergraduate: $16-29 per hour

- Masters: $25-31 per hour

- Ph.D: $27-34 per hour

These ranges are an estimate, and the actual hourly rate may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The hourly rate may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.

As an EPRI Student, you will not participate in EPRI’s Benefit Programs which includes health insurance, retirement benefits, vacation, sick leave (except as set required by law) and holiday pay. However, as a Student employee you are eligible for the benefits of Social Security, State Disability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

For Student positions which require one to relocate to an EPRI office. Relocation assistance is not provided and the student will be responsible for covering all relocation costs/expenses.

EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled

Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.

www.epri.com