Technical Professional Internships

The Technical and Professional Internships (TPI) program, managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is designed for students pursuing degrees in business, operations, facilities management, information technology, communications, finance, human resources, and other professional disciplines that support scientific research.

Summer student interns stand beside research posters and discuss their projects with attendees during the Summer Student Poster Session in Building 5700 at ORNL.
Brittany Rodriguez, center, poses with UTRGV students Leslie Hurtado and Lesli Perez Garcia on Main Street at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Hannah Musgrove, a postdoctoral research associate, demonstrates laboratory equipment to ORISE SULI student Jacob McCormick during a materials science experiment using a high-speed camera to study plasma interactions with polymer materials.

Unlike research-focused internships, TPI provides hands-on experience in the operational and administrative functions that enable the Department of Energy mission. Participants learn how their field supports DOE priorities by experiencing what is required to operate, maintain, and manage complex national laboratory environments. Appointments are paid and typically offered during 10-week summer terms, with additional 16-week opportunities available during the academic year based on organizational needs.

At ORNL, TPI interns are embedded within directorates and operational divisions that oversee facilities, business systems, digital infrastructure, project management, procurement, and institutional support services. TPI offers a distinctive pathway for students interested in applying their professional skills in a national laboratory setting without pursuing a research appointment.

Application Resources

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Spring 2027 applications close Oct. 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Benefits and Eligibility

Weekly stipend varies by academic level

$250 housing allowance

Travel allowance as applicable

U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

Undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate

3.0+ GPA

18+ years old

Contacts:

For general questions about ORNL educational programs, email [email protected].

For questions about your application, email [email protected].

Sarah Estupinan Jimenez, Andrew Hagemeier and Leah Broussard stand beside the Nab experiment apparatus discussing detector data at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Sarah Estupinan Jimenez uses a probe to test electronics on the Nab detector system at a beamline laboratory inside the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.