NEN Undergraduate Student

What You Will Do

Help support our National Security Mission and discover why we attract the best minds in the world!
The Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation Division's purpose is to utilize nuclear technology in the interests of national security and reduce the threat nuclear technology may pose to national security. We deter, detect and respond to the misuse of nuclear technology by state and nonstate actors, provide support to the nuclear stockpile, and develop nuclear power options for national security.

We are seeking undergraduate students interested in nuclear science/engineering related careers who want to make an impact in one or more areas of our Global Security mission. The division accomplishes this mission by fostering a work environment that encourages creative problem solving, teamwork, and passion for the mission while allowing flexibility in the work assignment.

NEN Division has 4 groups with the following focus areas:

  • Safeguards Science and Technology (NEN-1): Defends against state-actor misuse of nuclear materials by developing and testing new technologies for domestic and international safeguards and providing training for the safeguards community.
  • Advanced Nuclear Technology (NEN-2): Answers crucial questions for US nuclear weapons, foreign nuclear threats and nuclear criticality safety through unique experimental and measurement expertise and facilities.
  • International Threat Reduction (NEN-3): Provides the U.S. and the world with capabilities to both secure nuclear material and technology under regulatory control and detect nuclear materials outside of regulatory control.
  • Nuclear Systems (NEN-5): Provides technical design and systems analysis solutions that meet national security needs, address critical risks, support strategic planning, enhance safeguards, and maintain our leadership in the advanced and space nuclear reactor domains.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:




Technical Experience: Coursework or advanced studies in science or engineering, including computer science while pursuing a science or engineering degree

Communications: Good oral, written and presentation communication skills

Teamwork: Experience working in a team environment

Work Environment: Record of fostering a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Education/Experience: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Science degree (or recent graduate) in a science or engineering field with an overall GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or higher from an accredited science or engineering undergraduate program

Desired Qualifications:
  • Interests in nuclear nonproliferation, design of radiation detection systems or nuclear reactor design
  • Ability to obtain a Q Clearance. Obtaining a Q clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants:

Cover letter: In addition to the resume or CV, you must include a cover letter addressing each of the minimum job requirements
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. Our generous benefits package includes:

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

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth 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

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
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. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

*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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

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.
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, 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.

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.