Intern, R&D Undergraduate Summer - Measurement Science & Engineering, Onsite

Summer R&D Undergraduate Intern supporting development of a machine vision tracking system for high‑accuracy measurement applications. Work alongside experienced R&D engineers to design components, prototype vision‑based tracking techniques, and integrate algorithms and hardware into a functional system. Onsite work required.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team including interns, senior engineers, and staff from Sandia National Labs and other national labs
• Support data collection for a diverse set of tests across Sandia and in partnership with external test ranges — design, setup, execution, and analysis of large and small scale tests supporting nuclear weapons development, qualification missions, and strategic partnership (non‑DOE) programs
• Collaborate with team members in experimental measurements and diagnostics
• Assist with large and small scale test setup and data collection at Sandia’s world‑class facilities (outdoor and indoor), including the Aerial Cable Facility, Superfuge, Vibration & Mechanical Shock Labs, Drop Towers, Thermal Test Complex, Sled Track Facility, Explosive Pads, High‑Altitude Chamber, and test sites across the country
• Design and develop test fixtures using SolidWorks
• Communicate research results effectively through written, oral, and other creative media to Sandia project lead

Requirements

• Currently attending and enrolled full time in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) in an accredited undergraduate program
• Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, asylee, or refugee in the U.S.
• Must be able to work onsite

Desired Qualifications

• Major in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering field
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)
• Python programming experience
• Strong problem‑solving skills and interest in experimental work
• Ability to work independently and communicate technical results clearly
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) concepts or tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus)
• Exposure to NVIDIA GPU architecture or parallel computing development (CUDA, GPU acceleration)
• Experience with machine vision hardware or image processing workflows

Pay

Competitive intern pay rates based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Exact rate determined during the hire process and included in the offer package. View the Intern Pay Rate chart.

Benefits

• Generous vacation
• Strong medical and other benefits
• Competitive 401(k)
• Learning opportunities
• Relocation assistance
• Amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance

Benefits vary by job classification.

Schedule

• Flexible work arrangements available for many positions: 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off), 4/10 (four ten‑hour days each week), part‑time, and telecommuting (mix of onsite and remote work)

Schedule options vary by job classification.

About the Team

The Measurement Science & Engineering department (1535) is a multi‑disciplinary group providing cutting‑edge imaging and instrumentation measurements for large and small‑scale test work supporting Sandia’s National Security Mission. Work includes R&D developing innovative quantitative imaging and contact instrumentation measurements for harsh conditions, field deployment of measurement systems, data collection, and analysis. The team collaborates with many national laboratories and facilities, delivering critical data for model validation, hardware qualification, and engineering development. You will directly support the Photometrics, Instrumentation, and Electrical Team. Learn more about large‑scale tests | Learn more about capabilities

Security Clearance

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Sandia will conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review including personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Employees in New Mexico must pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories unless they are also U.S. citizens.

Additional Requirements

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED) — such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment for measuring, monitoring, or recording body functions — you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs. Additional steps may be necessary prior to an on‑site interview.

Job ID: 699677 | Job Family: 91 | Regular/Temporary: Temporary | Full/Part‑Time: Part‑Time