BACKGROUND

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that funds creative, out-of-the-box, transformational energy technologies that are too early stage for private investment. ARPA-E programs provide top energy researchers with funding, technical assistance, and tech-to-market guidance to radically improve U.S. energy security, energy efficiency, and environmental well-being. The driving question behind all ARPA-E programs is “If it works, will it matter?”

ARPA-E recruits summer scholars who have a unique combination of technical and business skills to assist in defining commercialization pathways for high-impact technology development programs. This internship opportunity offers experience in advancing the transition of cutting-edge energy technologies to market applications in a fast-paced environment.

OPPORTUNITY

ARPA-E’s Summer Scholars Program is designed to prepare ARPA-E funded technologies to achieve maximum impact and return on investment for ARPA-E project teams, stakeholders, and our Nation’s taxpayers. This internship provides a unique opportunity to work under and interface with the ARPA-E Technology-to-Market team, the ARPA-E Program Directors, and ARPA-E Fellows. We are seeking graduate students interested in:

  • Researching market trends, cross-industry collaboration opportunities, and go-to-market strategies
  • Assisting in developing techno-economic analysis
  • Performing stakeholder analysis to identify technology adopters and laggards
  • Analyzing system reliability at varying levels or renewable penetration

Planned Projects:

  • Opportunities to better integrate renewable energy and DERs into wholesale power markets with
    software and services.
  • Market assessment of microgrid hardware, software and services, including “Energy-as-a-Service”
    (EaaS) solutions providers.
  • Comprehensive robotics technology study – market research and analysis.
  • Bioplastics manufacturing study and market research.
  • Review of utility rate case cost-benefit methodologies and tools.
  • Characterization of biogenic building material supply chains.
  • Economic potential of high energy density batteries in heavy duty transportation.
  • Ammonia as a fuel for heavy duty transportation.

Applicants should be prepared for deep immersion into the project and must be comfortable working independently. Job requirements include strong analytical, written, and oral communication abilities.

The ideal candidate(s) will have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. electrical engineering, physics, material science, agriculture, economics, computer science, etc.), be in the midst of completing a graduate level degree, preferably M.S. or MBA.

Selected Summer Scholar(s) will be paid a weekly stipend and travel costs; typical length of stay ranges from 8-12 weeks. The position is based at ARPA-E’s headquarters in Washington, DC. This opportunity is available only to U.S. citizens.

HOW TO APPLY

Highly motivated candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter, a writing sample, and two references at https://arpa-e.energy.gov/career/job-opportunities.

Please note: If you are interested in more than one proposed project, please indicate in the body of your cover letter the specific projects you are interested in pursuing. A description of the individual projects is provided as a supplement to the job posting on the ARPA-E website located here: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/career/job-opportunities.

Questions can be directed via email to [email protected] with the words “Energy Scholars” in the
subject heading.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex
(including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status,
disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status,
military service, or other non-merit factor.

Applications are due no later than Sunday, January 29, 2023, and will be processed on a rolling schedule.
Interested parties are encouraged to apply early.