SMR Technology & Deployment Intern at Linea Energy · San…

Summary: Linea Energy is a leading independent power company dedicated to developing renewable energy projects across the Americas. They are seeking a graduate-level intern to support their energy infrastructure team in evaluating Small Modular Reactor technologies and developing deployment roadmaps. Responsibilities: - 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) - 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) - 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 - 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 Required Qualifications: - 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 Qualifications: - 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 Required Skills: Nuclear Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Quantitative Analysis Important Skills: Nuclear Reactor Physics, GIS Platforms, Technical Research Nice-to-Have Skills: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint Benefits: 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