Careers & Fellowships
Student Employment

NETL offers two pathways for U.S. citizens who are students looking to gain work experience that relates to their educational programs and career goals.

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
SCEP is a formally structured "work-study" program that provides work experience directly related to the student's educational program and career goals. Work must relate to the student's academic program or major, and participation in the program requires an agreement by both NETL and the student's school on the nature of the work assignment, the work schedule, and the evaluation methods.

The program primarily focuses on students majoring in chemistry, engineering, geology, materials science and mathematics.  Student positions can range from GS-4 (undergraduate) through GS-11 (graduate level) in primarily engineering, scientific, and technical occupations/disciplines. Occasionally, we fill positions in other occupations/disciplines.

Students are hired at the GS level commensurate with their experience and education and are eligible for promotion, leave, and benefits. No financial need requirements exist.

Interns may work full-time or part-time throughout the year as their educational commitment allows. With their advisor's approval, students can use their research at NETL as the basis for their thesis work.  Examples of positions we have hired under this program include:  Student Trainees in Physical Science, Physics, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and General Engineering. 

Students who have completed their education and worked at least 640 hours at NETL are eligible for non-competitive placement as permanent full-time employees, if such positions are available.

Benefits to students include:

• Generous annual and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Alternative work schedules
• Life and health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Thrift Savings Plan (equivalent to a 401K)
• Family friendly work programs

Student Employment Criteria

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational program (Baccalaureate, Graduate or Professional Degree) and have demonstrated an aptitude and interest in science and/or engineering
• Must be able to complete at least 640 hours of work while enrolled as a student at an accredited educational program

How to Apply: There is no application deadline. We accept applications from students all year. Submit the following forms:

• Resume - be sure to reference the Student Career Experience Program on the resume.
• College Transcript (Unofficial transcript may be submitted, however, if selected an Official Transcript will be required.)
• Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306)
• Applicant Background Survey Questionnaire (MS Word or PDF)
• Cover Letter that indicates whether you are applying for a part-time or full-time internship, when you would be available to start, and NETL location of Interest: (Pittsburgh, Morgantown, or Albany).

Mail or Fax your complete application package to:

Donna Isaac
Human Resource Specialist
U.S. Department of Energy
National Energy Technology Laboratory
P.O. Box 10940 MS 921/204
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940
Phone: (412) 386-5822 / Fax: (412) 386-4876
donna.isaac@netl.doe.gov
Note: Please do not email your application

Your resume must include:

• Reference to the Student Internship Program
• Your address and contact information
• Citizenship
• Educational history including month/year of anticipated degree
• GPA
• Field of study
• Skills
• Employment history
• Other information you would like to have considered (e.g., awards, computer skills, publications).

For more information, contact Student Employment Coordinator Donna Isaac at (412) 386-5822.

Minority Mentoring and Internship Program (MMIP)
The MMIP was established to offer women and minority students intern employment opportunities, meeting the needs of NETL and providing work that is directly related to the students' educational programs and career goals. These internships provide hands-on research opportunities at a state-of-the-art national laboratory, depending on the students' interests and experience. The program primarily focuses on students majoring in chemistry, engineering, geology, materials science and mathematics.

NETL offers opportunities for student interns to work under the guidance of an NETL technical expert as government employees in positions that can range from GS-4 (undergraduate) through GS-11 (graduate level) in primarily engineering, scientific, and technical occupations/disciplines. Occasionally, we fill positions in other occupations/disciplines. NETL makes appointments at any time of the year, and there is no limit on the number of hours a student can work.

Students are hired at the GS level commensurate with their experience and education and are eligible for promotion, leave, and benefits. No financial need requirements exist.

Interns may work full-time or part-time throughout the year as their educational commitment allows. With their advisor's approval, students can use their research at NETL as the basis for their thesis work.  Examples of positions we have hired under this program include:  Student Trainees in Physical Science, Physics, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and General Engineering. 

Students who have completed their education and worked at least 640 hours at NETL are eligible for non-competitive placement as permanent full-time employees, if such positions are available.

Benefits to students include:

• Generous annual and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Alternative work schedules
• Life and health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Thrift Savings Plan (equivalent to a 401K)
• Family friendly work programs

Student Employment Criteria

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational program (Baccalaureate, Graduate or Professional Degree) and have demonstrated an aptitude and interest in science and/or engineering
• Must be able to complete at least 640 hours of work while enrolled as a student at an accredited educational program

How to Apply: There is no application deadline. We accept applications from students all year. Submit the following forms:

• Resume - reference the Minority Mentoring & Intern Program on the application.
• College Transcript (Unofficial transcript may be submitted, however, if selected an Official Transcript will be required.)
• Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306)
• Applicant Background Survey Questionnaire (MS Word or PDF)
• Cover Letter that indicates whether you are applying for a part-time or full-time internship, when you would be available to start, and NETL location of Interest: (Pittsburgh, Morgantown, or Albany).

Mail or Fax your complete application package to:

Donna Isaac
Human Resource Specialist
U.S. Department of Energy
National Energy Technology Laboratory
P.O. Box 10940 MS 921/204
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940
Phone: (412) 386-5822 / Fax: (412) 386-4876
donna.isaac@netl.doe.gov

Your resume must include:

• Reference to the Student Internship Program
• Your address and contact information
• Citizenship
• Educational history including month/year of anticipated degree
• GPA
• Field of study
• Skills
• Employment history
• Other information you would like to have considered (e.g., awards, computer skills, publications).

For more information, contact the Student Employment Coordinator, Donna Isaac at (412) 386-5822.