Student Employment & Internships

About Cache Energy Cache is one of the fastest growing and U.S Department of Energy award winning, energy storage startup. Cache is developing ultra-long duration energy storage technology. At the core of the technology is “solid fuel” that is safely installed anywhere and transported everywhere, providing the same dispatchability as fossil fuels but in an entirely clean fashion. Cache works with some of the largest industries on the planet who partner with them to de-carbonize their operations. Employees will contribute to the development of this unprecedented technology and help bring it to commercialization. Cache encourages you to apply even if you do not believe you meet all the qualifications. We are seeking a highly motivated Thermal Engineering Intern to support the modeling and optimization of our Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer with experience in performing simulations of thermal and fluid systems. In this role, you will help model and analyze heat transfer and fluid flow in TES units, with the goal of improving the system design and performance. The key tasks involve setting up simulations, interpreting results, and suggesting design improvements. If you are motivated by impactful engineering challenges and enjoy seeing your work translated into real-world energy solutions, you will thrive in this fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in energy systems, and system optimization while contributing to cutting-edge thermal energy projects. Responsibilities Perform CFD and thermal modeling and simulation of Cache’s thermal energy storage systems. Analyze simulation results to evaluate temperature distribution, pressure drop, and heat transfer performance. Support the design, scaling, and efficiency optimization of thermal energy storage units using simulation insights. Take ownership of assigned simulation tasks while gaining hands-on experience in thermal system design. Competencies Energy, Drive, and Speed Ability to approach problems methodically and leverage technical knowledge for practical solutions. Works effectively both independently and in a team environment. Qualifications Pursuing a PhD (preferred) or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Thermal Engineering, with strong expertise in heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermal systems. Highly experienced in using CFD software (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, or similar). Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills. Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools is a plus. To apply, please send resumes to: admin@cache-energy.com.

About Rivian Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions, and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. About the Role Rivian internships are experiences optimized for student candidates. To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited program during the internship term. If you are not pursuing a degree, please see our full-time positions on our Rivian careers site. Note that if your university has specific requirements for internship programs, it is your responsibility to fulfill those requirements. In this role, you will support Rivian’s mission to deliver robust, scalable, and software-defined electric vehicles by modernizing the critical infrastructure behind our propulsion systems. The Inverter ECU is a safety-critical component responsible for vehicle propulsion. Responsibilities Migrate our build system in order to modernize our tooling and align with other teams and their integration requests. Learn and understand dependency tracking, compilation errors, and company coding standards. Troubleshoot complex compilation errors, circular dependencies, and linker script issues. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Actively pursuing a degree or one closely related in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering Strong scripting skills in Python (or similar). Proficiency in C/C++. Experience with Git version control. Understanding of how code compiles (pre-processing, compiling, linking). Previous experience with Bazel (Starlark) and SCons or Makefiles preferred. Gitlab or CI/CD experience preferred. Personal projects outside of classwork with things like Arduino, Raspberry Pi or ESP32 is a plus. Formula SAE experience is a plus. Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Internships: The range of pay for internships is $33.00-$40.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on location, and other factors permitted by law. Rivian provides robust wellness benefits, and a medical insurance package for interns, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums. To apply, please use this link: https://go.researchpark.illinois.edu/Winter2026UIUCResearchParkInternEmbeddedSoftwareInverterBuildSystem

About MSA MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities. We achieve this by building honest, open relationships that go beyond the project to become a trusted source of expertise and support for immediate challenges and long-term goals. Big or small, we do whatever it takes to meet each need, working to make communities stronger in the process. About the Role MSA has an opportunity for a Water Engineering Intern at our Champaign, IL office location. This position will offer students hands-on project exposure to a variety of wastewater planning, design, and construction projects in small and medium size communities.  You will have the opportunity to see, and contribute in, projects throughout the summer. The various projects you’ll be working on make a significant and positive impact on the communities you serve. MSA internships are typically at least 12 weeks in duration, ranging from mid-May 2026 to mid-August 2026, with start/exit dates confirmed later in the hiring process. For engineering students seeking consulting experience with municipal projects, this is the position for you! Job Requirements Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (or related) in Civil or Environmental Engineering required A valid driver’s license required Previous related engineering intern or co-op experience preferred Prior experience in the wastewater field preferred Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Excel required Revit, Civil 3D or Auto CAD coursework and/or experience would be a plus A desire to learn more about municipal wastewater projects This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position. Responsibilities Assist in the preparation of technical reports, data analysis, and data evaluation Assist with CAD work or project estimates Assist with construction submittal review and construction administration Construction observation of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects Construction staking for municipal infrastructure projects Preparation of permits for municipal wastewater treatment projects To apply, please use this link: https://go.researchpark.illinois.edu/MSA_WaterEngineeringIntern

About Rivian Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, Rivian is addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, Rivian will map a new way forward. Working together, Rivian will create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. As a company, Rivian constantly challenges what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. It reframes old problems, seeks new solutions, and operates comfortably in unknown areas. Employee backgrounds are diverse, but the team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. About the Role Internship Term: Winter (January – May 2026) Note that if the university has specific requirements for internship programs, it is the candidate’s responsibility to fulfill those requirements.  In this role, the intern will support Rivian’s software application framework team. Responsibilities Design and implement a Software Application Framework. Verify and validate the hardware design of Electrical Control Units. Understand the hardware design specs. Write code in C/Python. Debug hardware and software issues. Work with peers and stakeholders to collect the requirements and provide solutions. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Currently enrolled in a full time degree-seeking program and in the process of obtaining a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Experience with embedded platform architecture (GPU, PCIe, Camera). Working knowledge of networking protocols. Experience with embedded software development, linux operating systems, and real time operating Systems. Proficiency in Python and C programming. Prior experience with autonomous driving, infotainment or PC/Server technologies, preferred. Must be a located in Champaign, IL and able to work out of our office in the Research Park. Must be available for 40 hours per week in the summer and 20 hours per week in the Fall and Spring. Preferred Qualifications: Intent to return to a degree program after the completion of the internship. Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Internships: The range of pay for internships is $25.00 – $51.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on location, and other factors permitted by law.  To apply, please use this link: https://go.illinois.edu/EmbeddedSystemsSoftwareInternRivian

About Rivian Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles they build, and the curious, courageous souls they seek to attract. As a company, Rivian constantly challenges what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. Rivian reframes old problems, seeks new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Their backgrounds are diverse, but their team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. About the Role Internship Term: Winter (January – May) Rivian internships are experiences optimized for student candidates. To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited program during the internship term with an expected graduation date between December 2026 through May 2028. If you are not pursuing a degree, please see our full time positions on our Rivian careers site.  Note that if your university has specific requirements for internship programs, it is your responsibility to fulfill those requirements.  As an embedded software intern, you will have the opportunity to work with a world class software engineering team working on Rivian’s electric adventure vehicles. You will be given meaningful assignments which will contribute to the development of real-world products.You will interact and work with a seasoned engineering team. Responsibilities Work with Embedded C for various implementation and updates. Perform code reviews, identify improvements, confirm it meets requirements, and perform testing. Develop Python scripts for improvements. Qualifications Must be currently pursuing a bachelors, masters, or PhD degree at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Actively pursuing a degree or one closely related in Computer Engineering, with emphasis on embedded software engineering.  Profiency in Embedded C software programming.   Proficiency in Python scripting. Strong background in communication and electronics. Experience with oscilloscope, logic analyzers, debuggers, etc.  Must be enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Must be located in Champaign, IL  and able to work out of our office in the Research Park,  Must be available for 20 hours per week in the Fall and Spring and 40 hours in the summer.    This project will require weekly task status update and monthly project update. Pay Disclosure Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Internships: The range of pay for internships is 25.00-51.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on location, and other factors permitted by law.  Rivian provides robust wellness benefits, and a medical insurance package for interns, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.  To apply, please use this link: https://go.illinois.edu/EmbeddedSoftwareInternRivian