Undergraduate Weapons Engineering Internship

What You Will Do

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 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 and further 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. Learn more about the Directorate, the divisions, and the groups at the Weapons Engineering website. Selections for this position will not be finalized until approximately late October 2024.

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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 equivalents.

  • 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.

  • Application Submission: Must submit a complete application including the following three required documents. Incomplete applications will be automatically deemed ineligible. We strongly recommend reviewing the Application and Interview Tips website before applying.
    1. Cover Letter: Must explicitly reference your interest in the Weapons Engineering Directorate and detail your relevant academic and work experiences, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
    2. Resume: Must include dates for all related experience.
    3. Current Transcript: Must include all grades earned up to the time of application and may be unofficial.


Desired Qualifications:

Candidates will be most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills.
  • Laboratory Experience: Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to safety in a laboratory setting.
  • Communication Skills: Proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in a professional context.
  • Result-Oriented: Commitment to achieving results in complex social and organizational settings.
  • Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of various computer systems and software.
  • Innovative Thinking: Ability to find unique solutions to complex issues.

Resources for Applicants:



Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

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.

Work Environment: At Los Alamos National Laboratory we believe everyone is essential in solving global challenges. We believe inclusive diversity promotes innovation, enhances problem-solving, and make us a more successful and productive organization. Every unique voice brings something valuable to the conversation and everyone's ideas and opinions are welcome and respected. Read more about Inclusion and Diversity at 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. Depending on the type and length of the intern appointment, interns may be eligible for the following benefits:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid maternity 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
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.

Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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 Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
  • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
  • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
  • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

  • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
  • From here, you will establish an account with username and password.


How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
  • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
  • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
  • If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.