Electrical Engineering Internship - Summer 2027

Location: Alameda, CA, Albuquerque, NM or Oak Ridge, TN

Department: Intern Program

Please note: This is a pipeline posting for anticipated Summer 2027 internship opportunities. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as internship positions are approved and hiring needs are identified.

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is offering an exciting opportunity for students to join our Electrical Engineering team as an intern for Summer 2027. This internship provides a unique, hands-on experience supporting the design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and operation of instrumentation and control systems for our test reactor. Interns will contribute to the development of the Kairos Power Fluoride Salt-Cooled High Temperature Reactor (KP-FHR) while working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams on measurement instrumentation, automated digital control systems, and process automation technologies.

General Responsibilities 

• Assist in the design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and operation of instrumentation and control systems supporting the Kairos Power test reactor.
• Support development, integration, and maintenance of measurement instrumentation and automated digital process control systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure effective integration of electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Assist with troubleshooting, testing, validation, and optimization of control systems to improve system performance and reliability.
• Perform data collection, analysis, interpretation, and documentation to support engineering and project objectives.
• Contribute to the preparation, review, and presentation of technical reports, engineering documentation, and project updates.
• Support laboratory testing, equipment commissioning, system validation, prototyping, and troubleshooting activities under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and technical discussions while providing project updates and engineering input.
• Engage in training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical knowledge and engineering skills.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and organized engineering documentation, laboratory notebooks, and project records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Current student enrolled in and pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated application of technical skills outside of the classroom through laboratory work, research, extracurricular projects, personal projects, or prior internship/work experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with control system software such as LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar automation platforms.
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience with control system analysis, design, or industrial communication protocols is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Self-starter, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proven team player with excellent verbal, written communication/presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with cross-functional teams
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of electrical engineering, controls engineering, instrumentation, or related engineering principles acquired through academic coursework, laboratory experience, research projects, or prior internship experience.
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits, sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, and automated control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems, PLCs, LabVIEW, embedded systems, or similar automation technologies is desirable.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals including system integration, troubleshooting, testing, validation, and verification principles.
• Ability to apply analytical thinking and engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret technical data to support engineering decisions.
• Familiarity with engineering software, programming languages, or scripting tools commonly used for controls, automation, or data analysis.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, technical specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, organized, and high-quality technical work.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn new engineering concepts, software tools, laboratory techniques, and control system technologies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced engineering and research environment.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Ability to proactively document, organize, and share technical knowledge with teammates and mentors.

Physical Conditions 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Use hand tools

Environmental Conditions

• General office environment
• Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE 

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes

The hourly range for this position is $30-$34 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.