Summer Engineer, Architect, Environmental Engineer, and Community Planner Internship (ORF)
Q: What is the purpose of the Summer Internship Program? A: The Summer Internship Program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to spend a summer working with a variety of Engineers, Architects and tradesmen under ORF. Students will gain experience and knowledge to further their education and careers while working at the world’s largest research facility.
Q: Where is the Summer Internship located?
A: There are three different locations for the Summer Internship program. The majority of students will be working in Bethesda, Maryland, with a few positions open in Hamilton, Montana and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Q: Is it a paid Internship?
A: Yes, the students who are selected for the Internship will receive a salary that is based upon their level of education and experience.
Q: What are my Summer Housing options? Is it provided by NIH?
A: The NIH is unable to provide housing for summer interns. Information on available housing around the Washington, DC area can be found on the Housing Options link on this website.
For your reference, the NIH main campus is on the Red Line of the DC Metrorail at the Medical Center stop. It is generally a good choice to use the Metro for transportation.
Q: What are the start and end dates for the Internship?
A: The start and end dates are mutually agreed upon between the student and the student’s mentor. However, the students selected for the Internship begin work no earlier than May 20th and they end work no later than September 30th. Within this time period, the student has a minimum time contingent of 8 weeks, 40 hours per week.
Q: Can I apply if I am not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States?
A: No. Only citizens and permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply to this program.
Q: Is the Internship limited to specific majors?
A: Yes. The Office of Research Facilities (ORF) is looking for Interns in the following fields: Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Architects, Environmental Engineers, Community Planners, and those who are studying the trades at the community college and high school level.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA to participate in the Internship program?
A: Yes. ORF is looking for students who have a cumulative GPA equal to or above a 3.0. ORF strongly prefers students with a cumulative GPA above 3.0, and those who have experience working with their hands in a technical field.
Q: Is there a deadline for submission of applications?
A: You must apply through USAJOBS 
by the closing date to be considered for ORF Summer Internships.
Q: When should I apply?
A: A link to the USAJOBS announcement will appear here when the application process opens. You must apply through USAJOBS between the open and close dates to be considered for ORF Summer Internships.
Q: Should I list all of the courses and grades that I have completed or only my engineer or architecture courses?
A: Please submit a copy of your college transcript. However, an official copy is required if you are selected for a summer position