Hiring Process

View steps for applying for a position at NREL and see what to expect during the hiring process.

Note: Some positions have different requirements and application steps, including NREL's Director's Fellowship program, Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program, and the GEM Fellowship program.

Application Steps

1. Search for Jobs

Visit NREL's jobs portal to search for positions.

Enter terms into the search field, and/or filter by the position location; full- or part-time status; employment type; or job category.
For best performance, access NREL's job portal using Chrome or Firefox browsers.

2. Apply

Follow instructions to complete an application for each position in which you're interested.

Ensure that you meet the position's basic and additional required qualifications.
Once submitted, an application can't be edited. To make edits, including uploading files, reapply to the position.
Applicants can upload one file at a time on each screen, as prompted. They can also upload one file that contains multiple documents (e.g., a resume and a cover letter).

What To Expect After Applying

Although every position is different, it typically takes about 1 to 3 months to fill a position.

Status Updates and Questions

Applicants can track the status of their application(s) by creating an account through NREL's job portal. Select Sign In from the menu accessible from the top-right corner of the portal, then select Create Account.

Pre-Interview Steps

1. Accept Phone-Screening Invitation

Work with an NREL recruiter, who will call applicants to set up phone screenings to confirm they meet basic job requirements, discuss the role further, and answer questions.

2. Accept Interview Invitation(s)

If contacted to move forward for a formal interview, NREL will send information on how to enter references into our reference-checking tool and will schedule an interview. The interview will either be via video or on-site. Depending upon the position, candidates may be asked to participate in several interviews, which may include a one-on-one interview, panel interview, and/or a presentation, for which guidance will be provided.

3. Compile and Submit References

Before your formal interview, you will receive instructions from your recruiter on how to submit your references.

Preemployment Screening

Successful candidates must pass a preemployment screening, which will include a background check and drug testing. Depending upon the position, additional pre-employment screenings may be required. See NREL's employment policies for details on requirements.

Job Offer

If selected for a position, the successful candidate will receive a job offer from an NREL recruiter, who will provide more details.

Visit Visas and Immigration for guidance on working at NREL as a foreign national.