Generation Sector Student Internship; Laboratory Student Employee

Location:Charlotte, NC

Job Summary and Description:

EPRI was ranked the #3 internship program within the Energy & Renewables industry in 2024 according to Vault!

EPRI’s Generation Sector focuses on a wide spectrum of research and development (R&D) across all thermal and renewables sources of power generation. 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, water treatment & environmental technologies, digitalization, cyber security, turbomachinery, wind, solar, or hydro power (renewables), non-battery energy storage (chemical, mechanical, and thermal), carbon capture and sequestration, hydrogen economies and technologies at-scale, environmental sciences, etc.

Students working 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 the Generation Sector’s 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 Generation Sector to work over the timeframe of May to August. 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 Energy Sector.

Students are needed to support the following research areas in EPRI’s Charlotte laboratories:

Materials Water & Chemistry Digitalization and Cyber Security

The Materials Program conducts research across a variety of low and high temperature systems in the renewable and thermal fleets.

The Water & Chemistry Programs address a diverse range of challenging projects involving water treatment, water chemistry in power generation, environmental science/engineering, applied chemistry and environmental degradation of materials.

The Digitalization Area contains research programs in cyber security, advanced controls & automation, monitoring & diagnostics, and research in AI, digital worker, drones, and communications. These are supported by a cross-sector Digitalization and Cyber Security lab to support ongoing and new research in these programs.

Typical activities and responsibilities could include the following:

• Execute small and well-defined testing programs in the chemistry, high temperature or heat treatment laboratories.

• Develop test plans, conduct testing, and document results under the guidance of technical staff.

• Conduct post-data analysis methods using machine learning, graphing software like OriginLab, Python and/or other relevant approaches for assessing large datasets.

• Operate optical and/or scanning electron microscopes.

• Follow and execute sample preparation procedures like sample labeling, sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching, etc.

• Conduct research searches, literature surveys, and document laboratory results using PowerPoint, Word, or other tools.

• Gain fundamental knowledge about water chemistry, coal combustion products and aqueous corrosion by conducting research through the application of established and emerging technologies, such as electro-chemical coagulation, membrane filtration, encapsulation, XRF spectrometry, and electrochemical techniques applied to corrosion.

• Develop software, codes, and scripts using industry standard coding languages.

• Work with cyber-physical equipment by using code to drive physical processes.

• Run cyber-attack scenarios on physical equipment and software platforms.

• Conduct a technical evaluation of sensor and payload technologies for UASs.

• Develop test plans and executing testing for single board computers and edge computing technologies.

• Develop training and cyber security hardening guidance for OT equipment.

• Develop interactive training using advanced technologies (AR/VR, virtual machines, lab equipment, etc.) for industry professionals.

• Researching equipment failure modes and effects analysis.

• Analysis of large datasets including the development of algorithms or tools to assess and/or filter the data and visual representation of the data use graphing software packages or using other means (python, etc.).

Specific Skillsets should include:

• Students must be prepared to work onsite in the EPRI Charlotte laboratories alongside senior engineering staff.

• Capable and comfortable of handling chemicals.

• Ability to solder or willingness to learn to solder. (Digitalization and Cyber Lab)

• Ability to take direction and work independently while still interfacing with their mentor regularly.

• Skillset(s) in programming and analyzing data using software packages.

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.

• Have completed multiple laboratory courses with the ability to organize generated data for discussion with senior engineering staff.

• Working knowledge of metals including steels, nickel-base alloys, welds, etc. (Materials Labs)

• Willingness to learn new skills.

• Willingness to work with peer student interns to provide insights, answer questions, and be a resource for others.

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