Intern, R&D Undergraduate Summer - Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics (NOMAD), Onsite

About the Role

The Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics (NOMAD) Research Institute is an 8-week long program that brings together researchers from around the world to work on challenging research problems in engineering sciences. The Component Science and Mechanics Department is seeking motivated and productive student interns to contribute to summer research projects. The internship provides opportunities to:

• Work in diverse research teams
• Participate in a research project presented at a final seminar series
• Engage and network with professionals in your research field

Teams generally consist of 3 interns and 3-5 mentors per project. Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Past Projects

Examples of past summer projects include:

• Breaking Bats: Designing a Collapsible Baseball Bat Using Topology Optimization
• Chaotic Vibration Response of Nonlinear Components under Forced Vibration
• Implementing Multi-Input-Multi-Output Shock Capabilities
• Predicting Printability of Particle-laden Inks
• Multiscale Modeling of the Mechanical Response of Tantalum Alloys
• Experimental Characterization of Gas Transport in a Vibrated Multiphase System

Visit the NOMAD website for more details on past projects.

Requirements

You must meet these minimum 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
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship

Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, apply to a high school intern position.

Qualifications We Desire

• Working towards a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, engineering mechanics, applied mathematics, or other applicable branches of science or engineering
• Available to participate in the Institute for 8 weeks from June 14, 2027 to August 6, 2027
• Experience or academic focus in structural dynamics (e.g., mechanical vibrations, modal analysis) and/or solid mechanics (e.g., failure analysis, contact mechanics)
• Experience with finite element analysis, experimental methods, signal processing, model validation and calibration, numerical methods, or measurement systems
• Undergraduate research aligning with state-of-the-art research in nonlinear mechanics or dynamics
• Ability to work independently and integrate effectively into a dynamic, multidisciplinary team
• Strong interpersonal, organization, and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3/4.0 (desired)

Pay

Interns earn competitive pay rates based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. View the Intern Pay Rate chart for details.

About Our Team

The Component Science and Mechanics Department conducts frontier mechanics research and science-based engineering solutions for component development and assessment. Focus areas include:

• Interfacial and micro/nano-mechanics
• Probabilistic mechanics and uncertainty quantification
• Mechanical aspects of component and subsystem reliability

Areas of active interest include interconnects and encapsulation, fatigue and fracture, energy dissipation at contacts, micro-structural mechanics, shock and vibration, crack initiation and propagation, micro-scale diagnostics, and adaptive structures. The department utilizes computational and physical simulations in a dynamic, multidisciplinary teaming environment.

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. Key aspects of working at Sandia include:

• Challenging work with impact on national security and global peace
• Extraordinary co-workers and cutting-edge research facilities
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 schedules, part-time work, telecommuting)
• Generous vacation, strong medical benefits, competitive 401k, and work/life balance amenities

Learn more about Sandia at www.sandia.gov.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. The process includes a pre-employment drug test and background review covering personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Dual citizenship may impact clearance eligibility. Substance abuse, falsification of information, criminal activity, or serious misconduct can result in clearance denial or termination.