Weapons Engineering Undergraduate Intern

Summer Undergraduate Engineering Internship

The Weapons Engineering Directorate at Los Alamos National Laboratory integrates the stockpile stewardship program and weapons engineering and testing in support of the Laboratory's critical mission. Weapons Engineering is looking for summer undergraduate engineering interns in various subdisciplines to join our team and contribute to the future of national security. Our paid internship provides students with an opportunity to gain practical experience under the guidance of a mentor with extensive experience in the field furthering their academic and professional goals. Selected interns will also have access to an array of professional development and networking opportunities provided by the Lab's Student Programs Office. Eligible applicants will be added to a candidate pool that hiring managers use to fill internship positions as needed. With one application, eligible candidates will be considered for internships across the Directorate. Selections for this position will not be finalized until approximately March 2026. Examples of internship projects include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanical and Thermal Systems Engineering: Design, analyze, and test complex mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems, including vacuum, cryogenic, and pressure environments.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Development: Support additive manufacturing, materials processing, and design optimization using computational and experimental methods.
• Automation, Robotics, and Controls: Design and program robotic systems, automation platforms, and process control solutions to enhance safety, precision, and efficiency.
• Instrumentation and Data Systems: Assist in developing electrical hardware, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems for high-precision testing and diagnostics.
• Computational Modeling and Simulation: Apply numerical and probabilistic methods to model physical phenomena, structural response, and system behavior under varied conditions.
• Experimental Design and Test Execution: Participate in the design, setup, and operation of experiments and qualification tests to verify system performance and reliability.
• Evaluation and Diagnostics: Conduct assembly support, non-destructive evaluation, and data analysis to assess component integrity and confirm design intent.
• Systems Engineering and Integration: Contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of complex systems throughout their lifecycle to ensure safety, reliability, and mission success.
• Digital Engineering and Process Improvement: Engage in digital design, modeling, and data management initiatives that strengthen collaboration and lifecycle traceability.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering and Emerging Technologies: Support development of model-based systems engineering approaches and explore innovative tools such as artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced computational methods to enhance future engineering capabilities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.
• Credit Hours: Must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters or the quarter system equivalent.
• Cumulative GPA: Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher will be most competitive.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter: Must explicitly reference your interest in the Weapons Engineering Directorate and detail your relevant academic and work experiences, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Resume: Must include dates for all related experience.
• Current Transcript: Must include all grades earned up to the time of application and may be unofficial. Entering first-year students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an accredited undergraduate degree program.

Desired Qualifications

• Engineering and Technical Skills: Foundational knowledge and practical experience in one or more areas such as mechanical or thermal systems, manufacturing, automation and controls, computational modeling, testing, or systems engineering.
• Laboratory Experience: Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to safety while conducting hands-on work in laboratory or technical environments.
• Communication Skills: Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a professional or technical setting.
• Results Orientation: Demonstrated initiative and persistence in achieving goals within complex organizational and technical environments.
• Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of relevant computer systems, software tools, and data management applications.
• Innovative Thinking: Ability to apply creativity and problem-solving skills to develop effective, practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Teamwork and Growth Mindset: Enthusiasm for collaboration, openness to mentorship, and a desire to learn and expand technical and professional capabilities.

Resources for Applicants

• For assistance or questions related to this job ad, contact Cassandra Casperson at casperson@lanl.gov.
• For technical assistance, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Work Schedule: The durations of the internship and the work schedule will vary based on the availability of the intern and mentor, and the internship project needs.

Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

• Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
• Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.
• 426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
• New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
• Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
• Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.