PWDI Summer Internship - Technical | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

PWDI Summer Internship - Technical

What You Will Do
This Program offers summer internships for technical students who are working with programs at NM colleges and universities that are part of the Plutonium Workforce Development Initiative (PWDI). The internship provides students with relevant work experience while pursuing an undergraduate degree. This educational program is designed to complement the students' education with work experience related to their chosen field of study. Internships are available in science, research, professional, and support fields. Students are assigned to tasks and activities appropriate for their academic and work backgrounds. PWDI partners with the following NM colleges/universities: University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Northern New Mexico College, New Mexico Highlands University, Navajo Technical University, Santa Fe Community College, Luna Community College, San Juan College, and Central New Mexico Community College.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.
  • Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent) in an accredited degree program (or international equivalent).
  • Entering first-year students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program.
  • Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

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:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and world.

Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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.

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

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. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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 applicable federal, state and local 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3

Application Requirements:

When applying, candidates must attach:
  • A resume,
  • Personal statement (not to exceed one page)
  • Their most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).

Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, personal statement, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Applicants must be attending a NM college or university and be working with the PWDI programs at the respective university or college. Personal statements are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most notable achievements and accomplishments. It should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.

Contact Information: For general questions pertaining to this application system send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)665-4444 option 1. All questions regarding the internship program should be directed to the sponsoredprograms@lanl.gov

Summer Application Period: The application and required documents must be submitted by February 13, 2026.

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.