Powerhouse Summer Research Intern

Job Description

Position Summary

The Energy Institute is operated under the Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR) at Colorado State University (CSU). The Institute’s mission is to deliver real-world energy and carbon solutions that address society’s most pressing global challenges and achieves that mission by fostering collaboration among energy faculty and researchers across all eight colleges. The Institute conducts research, education, commercialization, and outreach activities and provides faculty, researchers, and industry partners with access to one of the nation’s largest university-based energy research facilities to achieve these objectives. The Institute operates two facilities; the Powerhouse Energy Campus, and METEC, both provide safe, secure, and sophisticated space for university investigators and industry partners to collaboratively develop clean energy solutions.

https://energy.colostate.edu/

The Powerhouse Summer Research Intern role resides in the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory at the Powerhouse Energy Campus, which is an industrial working environment We are seeking a summer research intern to join our group for summer session until classes begin in the fall. As a Powerhouse intern, you will work closely with senior staff members to support the setup, testing, and cleanup of our engines test facility and with our emissions sensing groups for the setup and testing of AI driven robot sample collecting hardware. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic engineering environment.  Collaborate with senior staff to prepare the engines test equipment and/or robot sensing equipment for experiments and data collection. Participate in engine performance tests, data acquisition, and analysis. Ensure the lab spaces are organized, clean, and ready for subsequent experiments. Record test results, observations, and any issues encountered during testing. Learn and follow safety protocols and guidelines while working in the lab.

This is a part-time seasonal position that will be integral to facilitating research and departmental activities at the Powerhouse and METEC facilities. This position is in person.

Full Consideration Date for this position is July 10

Essential Job Duties

• Assist with Setup: Collaborate with senior staff to prepare the test facility for experiments and data collection.
• Conduct Tests: Participate in engine performance tests, robot emissions test, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Cleanup and Maintenance: Ensure the lab spaces are organized, clean, and ready for subsequent experiments.
• Documentation: Record test results, observations, and any issues encountered during testing.
• Safety Compliance: Follow safety protocols and guidelines while working in the labs.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), valid driver’s license.

Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.

Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

Supervision

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a 4 yr STEM related degree program.
• Ability to commit to 30 hours per week for the duration employment.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in working with engines, mechanical systems, and performance testing.
• Experience with AI driven robotics, mechanical systems, and improving performance utilizing AI tools
• Basic knowledge of data acquisition, tools, or instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with engines, automotive systems, or mechanical testing. Prior experience with robotic systems – setup and deployment
• Relevant coursework related to these tasks.
• Familiarity with lab safety procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions precisely and maintain accurate records.

Salary Range

$18.00-$20.00

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.