Engineering Student Intern

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
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If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is looking for an Engineering Student Intern to work on our NSF project, over the duration from November 2025 to February 2026. The student will work with the scientist team to:

1. Design a Li-ion battery fire sensor system

2. Conduct experiments to evaluate the sensor system

3. Analyze data to improve sensitivity while reducing false alarms.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field

• Proficiency in Python programming

• Understanding of basic signal processing, and data analysis techniques

• Experience designing and fabricating custom parts (e.g., a protective housing for a sensor system)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with analog and digital circuits, including experience building and troubleshooting simple circuits, integrating analog and digital sensors, and working with digital communication protocols

• Experience with data acquisition, sensor interfacing, and/or hardware control

• Knowledge of embedded systems and experience working with microcontrollers and microcomputers, especially Raspberry Pi

• Experience with machine learning techniques

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a small technical team

Compensation Grade

$20 per hour

Schedule

Maximum 20 hours per week

Physical Requirements

The ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting heavy objects up to 30 pounds, and long periods of sitting or standing.  

Conditions of Employment

This position must pass laboratory training during orientation

Exempt

No

Full-Time Equivalent

45.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please contact jobs@dri.edu if assistance is needed with DRI’s Workday application system.

1. Current resume (Required)

2. Cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications prepare you for this job. (Optional)

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. For questions regarding this position, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.

Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.