INTERN - Research Engineer I

Location: Houston, TX

Position Status: PT/Intern

FLSA Status: Hourly

Company Profile:

CNPC USA is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company, and serves as the North American headquarters. Our goal is to provide innovation, research and development of innovative technologies for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production.

Job Summary:

CNPC USA is actively seeking creative, innovative, best-in-class experts to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity for an internship in technical research and knowledge engineering. The intern will be responsible for conducting research studies, organizing technical knowledge, and contributing to the development of the TechTree digital knowledge platform, with a focus on energy industry technologies. This position reports directly to the R&D Manager of Geosciences.

Responsibilities:

- Conduct all business activities in agreement with CNPC USA core values.

- Support the development and maintenance of the TechTree digital knowledge platform.

- Assist in preparing technical summaries, internal reports, and conference review reports.

- Help track and analyze technology trends in oil & gas, geothermal, energy transition, and related fields.

- Assist in preparing content for internal and external technical communications and knowledge broadcasting.

- Leverage modern AI and knowledge tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini, GitHub, NotebookLM) to improve research efficiency and knowledge organization.

Key Skills:

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- Strong organizational and coordination skills.

- Demonstrated leadership and teamwork experience (e.g., project teams, teaching, or activity organization).

- Ability to summarize complex technical materials into clear and structured content.

- Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision.

- Comfortable using digital tools and AI-assisted research tools such as:

- ChatGPT, Google Gemini, GitHub, NotebookLM (or similar platforms).

Qualifications:

- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Energy, Physics, Geosciences, or similar) from an accredited university.

- Strong academic standing; must provide a current transcript with a resume.

- Demonstrated interest in technology, research, and engineering knowledge systems.

- Legally authorized to work in the United States of America.

Work Environment:

This job operates in an office environment. Some responsibilities may involve reviewing technical documents, research materials, and digital platforms. Secondary responsibilities may require interaction with standard engineering or research documentation systems.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential job functions.

While performing duties of this job the intern is regularly required to stand and walk; reach and pull with hands and arms, and lift up to 50 lbs. The vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. This job also requires the ability to read and understand ideas in writing as well as oral and written communication.

Travel:

Local travel between CNPC USA Houston locations may be necessary.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

CNPC USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.