ESH Undergraduate Intern - Fall 2026

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful work advancing science and technology in nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense. Our culture fosters innovation and operational excellence, offering opportunities to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

About the role

We have an opening for an Undergraduate Student in the Nuclear Criticality Safety Division (NCSD) within the Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Directorate. You will work under the direction of the NCSD to complete a project or series of projects combining hands-on experience with technical knowledge. This hybrid position blends in-person work during the summer and virtual work during the school year, offering interaction with all levels of Laboratory personnel, including managers, experimenters, technicians, and staff outside the ESH directorate.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a multi-laboratory NNSA research project on a semi-remote basis.
• Model radiation and imaging detector responses of nuclear systems.
• Utilize Python or C++, nuclear interaction physics, and nuclear data formatting.
• Perform laboratory experiments and interpret results to build and validate detector models and response functions.
• Perform technical analysis of data and apply effective analytical and problem-solving skills to complex problems.
• Perform technical/scientific assignments at a basic to moderate degree of complexity and provide advanced technical support to engineers and scientists.
• Perform independent technical or operational tasks and projects and/or support research efforts.
• Provide comprehensive support to LLNL programs, operations, and/or research in collaboration with senior staff members to resolve moderately complex to complex issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• Must be a college or university student pursuing an undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering or a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., mechanical/systems engineering, nuclear physics, particle physics, radiochemistry), or equivalent combination of education and prior relevant experience.
• Experience in neutron detection for nuclear security applications.
• Understanding of experimental nuclear physics.
• Experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution, including analytical techniques in nuclear diagnostics.
• Experience with Python or C++.
• Ability to apply scientific methods to solve a defined problem or study question.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Skills We Desire

• Ability to apply basic and fundamental safety concepts in a work environment.
• Experience in research, manufacturing, and/or laboratory-type work settings.
• Working knowledge of coupling simulation codes, integrating updated nuclear data libraries, evaluating (α,n) cross sections, and enhancing α-particle transport physics using expanded experimental data.

Pay

$23.26 - $31.62 hourly for the 705.1 level.

Benefits

• Holiday pay.
• Sick leave accrual.
• Individual 401(k) contributions.

This position involves U.S. Export Control and must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual such as a refugee or asylee). If your assignment exceeds 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must complete the Personal Identity Verification process, including an online background investigation and approval of the background check. A pre-employment drug test is required for external applicants, including testing for marijuana use as LLNL is a federal contractor.