About Linea Energy

Linea Energy is a leading independent power company dedicated to developing, building, and operating renewable energy projects across the Americas. Our mission is to provide sustainable energy solutions that empower communities and drive the transition to a clean energy future. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Linea Energy is committed to innovation, excellence, and the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

SMR Technology & Deployment Intern

Position Type: Graduate-Level Internship (Full-Time or Part-Time) Duration: 12–24 Weeks (Summer or starting immediately during Academic Year) Location: San Francisco, CA | Hybrid Considered

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated graduate-level intern to support our growing energy infrastructure team in evaluating Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies, building deployment roadmaps, and developing site suitability frameworks. This internship offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced nuclear engineering, energy policy, and infrastructure planning—contributing directly to the organization's long-term clean energy strategy.

This is a technically rigorous, research-intensive role ideal for candidates pursuing advanced degrees in nuclear engineering, energy systems, civil/environmental engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Key Responsibilities

1. SMR Technology Evaluation

• Conduct a structured comparative analysis of leading SMR designs (e.g., NuScale VOYGR, TerraPower Natrium, X-energy Xe-100, Kairos Power KP-FHR, Last Energy PWR-20) across key dimensions including:
• • Reactor type, fuel cycle, and thermal output
  • Safety systems and passive cooling characteristics
  • Regulatory status (NRC design certification stage)
  • Commercial readiness and vendor maturity
  • Cost per MWe and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) estimates
• Synthesize findings into a structured technology scoring matrix with weighted criteria
• Monitor evolving NRC licensing landscape and DOE funding programs (e.g., Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program)

2. Deployment Roadmap Development

• Develop a phased SMR deployment roadmap including:
• • Near-term (2025–2030): Regulatory milestones, vendor engagement, site screening
  • Mid-term (2030–2035): Site selection finalization, construction initiation, grid integration planning
  • Long-term (2035–2045): Full fleet deployment, fuel supply chain, decommissioning planning
• Build project cost models incorporating:
• • Capital costs (CAPEX): overnight construction cost estimates ($3,000–$9,000/kWe range depending on design)
  • Operating costs (OPEX): fuel, staffing, maintenance
  • Financing costs and discount rate sensitivity
  • Cost reduction potential via nth-of-a-kind (NOAK) learning curves
• Identify regulatory, supply chain, and workforce development milestones on the critical path
• Benchmark against comparable international SMR deployments (e.g., USNC, Rolls-Royce SMR in UK, CANDU SMR in Canada)

3. Site Suitability Analysis

• Develop a multi-criteria site suitability framework incorporating:
• • Geotechnical: Seismic hazard zones, soil bearing capacity, groundwater depth
  • Hydrological: Proximity to cooling water source (river, reservoir, ocean), flood risk (FEMA zones), drought vulnerability
  • Environmental & Regulatory: Proximity to sensitive ecosystems, endangered species habitat, EPA and state environmental compliance
  • Socioeconomic: Population density exclusion zones (NRC 10 CFR Part 100), community acceptance, environmental justice considerations
  • Infrastructure: Grid interconnection capacity, transmission access, road/rail logistics for modular component delivery
  • Operational: Land area requirements (SMRs typically require 30–100 acres vs. 1,000+ for large plants)
• Apply GIS-based screening tools (ArcGIS or QGIS) to candidate site analysis if applicable
• Produce a scored site suitability matrix and narrative summary for top candidate locations

4. Stakeholder & Policy Support

• Summarize relevant federal and state policy landscape (IRA nuclear production tax credits, state clean energy standards)
• Prepare briefing materials, slide decks, and memos for senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Assist in drafting white papers or reports suitable for publication or regulatory submission

Qualifications

Required

• Currently enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program in one of the following:
• • Nuclear Engineering
  • Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (with energy systems focus)
  • Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Energy Resources / Energy Systems Engineering
  • Engineering and Public Policy
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills; ability to build and interrogate cost and schedule models
• Familiarity with nuclear reactor physics, thermodynamics, or power systems fundamentals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint; comfort with technical research and synthesis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• Coursework or research experience in nuclear reactor design, fuel cycles, or radiation safety
• Familiarity with NRC licensing processes (10 CFR Parts 50, 52, 100)
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis
• Exposure to energy project finance, techno-economic analysis, or LCA (lifecycle assessment)
• Prior internship or co-op experience in the energy, utility, or national laboratory sector

Compensation & Benefits

• Stipend: $30–$45/hour (commensurate with degree level and experience)
• Housing assistance or relocation stipend available for candidates relocating
• Mentorship from senior engineers and energy policy professionals
• Exposure to executive leadership and external industry partners
• Potential for full-time offer upon graduation

Applications should include a resume, unofficial transcript, and a 1-page personal statement describing the candidate's interest in advanced nuclear energy and relevant technical background.​ 
Linea Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOC) and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. 
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