National Security Engineering Division (NSED) Graduate Intern - Summer 2027

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful work advancing science and technology in national security. Our mission covers nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, fostering innovation and operational excellence.

About the role

The National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate offers multiple openings for graduate-level students and recent bachelor’s or master’s degree graduates to engage in practical research. You will provide technical and/or research support in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, nuclear and chemical engineering, space, applied physics, data science, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and/or research support to projects under the guidance of engineers, scientists, and technical staff.
• Work full-time for ten to twelve weeks during the internship.
• Conduct research in an assigned area with limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of basic complexity and provide advanced technical support to scientific research and development projects.
• Communicate research projects, document work, and deliver technical presentations or talks.
• Attend relevant seminars and facility tours.
• 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 continuing college or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree or have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, material science, or a related field.
• Experience applying advanced engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in a scientific curriculum.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts, ideas, and research projects effectively.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working with computers and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Skills we desire

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Technical project experience.
• Familiarity with tools associated with your field of study.

Pay

$6,752 - $8,201 monthly. This position follows a step structure, with placement determined by your most recent completed academic year.

Benefits

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

Additional Information

Security clearance is not required for this role. However, 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.

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, restricts access to specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities for citizens of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea without dual U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence. Compliance with Section 3112 is required for this position.

External applicants selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana use, as federal law applies to LLNL as a federal contractor.

Depending on job duties, work in Limited Areas may restrict the use or possession of personal and/or laboratory mobile devices, including cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, and wireless headphones. Medical devices that pair with mobile devices must comply with these restrictions unless wireless functionality is disabled. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities are permitted.