Undergraduate Hypersonics Summer Internship Program

What You Will Do

The Undergraduate Hypersonics Summer Internship Program is jointly administered by the Department of Defense's Joint Hypersonics Transition Office and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The goal of this program is to create a strong workforce to meet future hypersonics-related science and technology needs in support of the U.S. national security mission.

This internship program offers paid summer internships for undergraduate students with an interest in hypersonics who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in one of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering (with a subdiscipline in Aerospace, Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, or Nuclear), Materials Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, or Physics. This program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing the student's area of study.

#ALDW Recruiting

The available summer 2026 internship projects are:

1. The intern will assist the Mechanical and Thermal Engineering (E-1) group with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) benchmarking of various hypersonic environments. The primary goal for the intern is to perform a design of experiments (DOE) study on adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) settings within commercial engineering software with the overall outcome of establishing baselines for future, higher-fidelity modeling efforts. Multiple codes may be explored by the student, including but not limited to, Star-CCM+, ANSYS FLUENT, Cart3D, FUN3D, CBAero, LS-Dyna, and Abaqus.
2. For flight bodies of interest at LANL, the Mechanical and Thermal Engineering (E-1) group would like to develop an automated Cart3D approach to generating aerocoefficients. The intern will also assist with integrating Cart3D data with mid-high fidelity CFD data to improve predicted flight trajectories. Predicted trajectories will be compared to flight test data that is available. If time permits, focused FUN3D simulations will be executed.
3. The intern will be a member of a research team in the Modern Manufacturing Methodologies (E-2) group developing materials and manufacturing systems to additively manufacture carbon fiber based composite structures for hypersonic vehicle and payload accommodation applications. The goals of the project are to demonstrate the ability to 3D print a thermoset-CCF composite into various geometries, characterize the feedstock material, mechanically test printed coupons, and build a small demonstration article. The intern will learn about material synthesis and characterization techniques, the design and operation of custom 3D printing machines and associated tool pathing software, as well as the manufacturing and mechanical testing of composite structures. Qualified candidates for this project must be pursuing a B.S. in Engineering, be a rising Senior at the time the internship begins, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and have an active interest in composite materials, manufacturing, and hypersonics.
4. The intern will be a member of a research team in the Modern Manufacturing Methodologies (E-2) group developing modeling tools and experimental systems for the design, build, and testing of earth penetrator impact energy arrestors. The goals of the project are to scale up energy dissipation correlations that were built from relatively small coupon impact tests, to allow engineers to design much larger energy dissipators. This scale up process will be supported through the additive manufacturing and destructively testing mid-scale energy absorbing structures. The intern will learn about analytical modeling methods, computer-based numerical simulations, as well as the additive manufacturing and destructive impact testing of energy absorbing structures. Qualified candidates for this internship must be pursuing a B.S. in Engineering, be a rising Senior at the time the internship begins, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and have an active interest in analytical modeling, manufacturing, experimental testing, and hypersonics.
5. The X-51A Waverider was an impressive 25 ft long, 4000 lb hypersonic vehicle divided into several stages (cruiser, interstage, rocket) and contained demanding hydraulic systems for its aerodynamic control surfaces. Such divisions naturally require many connections and flanges which add mass and complexity to the vehicle. Shape memory alloy self-sealing coupling devices, like Cryofit, have been used in the subsonic aerospace industry to connect components. This intern will lead an effort in the Modern Manufacturing Methodologies (E-2) group to explore the feasibility of shape memory sealing devices for hypersonic vehicles via experimental proofs-of-concept to relevant lab-scale environments. Such hypersonic environments/requirements could include structural loads, hydraulic pressures, thermal loads, vibrations, shock, or the ability to disassemble for maintenance. An optional computational modeling effort could complement the work. The intern will learn about the mechanics of shape memory alloys and hypersonic environments. The intern will learn new characterization and testing techniques as well as the design of an experimental setup. The student may learn the basics of computational modeling of shape memory alloys. The student will practice presentation and communication skills. Qualified candidates must be pursuing a B.S. in an Engineering or related field, be a rising Junior or Senior at the time the internship begins, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and have an active interest in advanced materials, manufacturing, and hypersonics.
6. As part of the National Security Earth Science (EES-17) group the intern will initially be trained to utilize the Hybrid Optimization Software Suite (HOSS, which is a multi-physics combined finite-discrete element simulation tool). Intern will then utilize HOSS to simulate 2 to 3 selected hypervelocity ablation experiments (data to be provided by Texas A&M) to perform research and development on HOSS' ablation capabilities. Focus will be on multi-phase, thermal interaction and its subsequent material deterioration (ablation). The candidate will learn how to utilize an advanced multi-physics computational mechanics tool for follow on usage at their university. Candidate will learn physics, and dynamics of particle-structure interaction on aeroshells. Qualified candidates for this project must be pursuing a B.S. in Engineering, be a rising senior at the time the internship begins and have an interest in hypersonics.
7. The intern will work as part of a research team in the Shock & Detonation Physics (M-9) group developing multifunctional additively manufactured explosive (AMX) systems for application to hypersonic warhead development. Topics include electrically conductive AMX printing, embedded sensor and electrical system design, and tailored detonation performance including shape charge and jetting effects.
8. The intern will work as part of a multi-disciplined research team involving several teams within the Engineered Materials (MST-7)teams include Surface & Interface Engineering, Advanced Materials & Processes, and Bio & Advanced Materials SynthesisThe main applications for MST-7 are in the development of materials for Nuclear Weapons Programs and ICF target engineering & fabrication. The internship will include thermal, mechanical, and physical testing on composite materials and composite structures. Learning objectives include materials processing and materials characterization and testing. Qualified candidates for this project must be pursuing a B.S. in Engineering, be a rising senior at the time the internship begins, and have an interest in hypersonic and high temperature materials.

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 semester credit hours or the full-time equivalent during the fall and spring semesters or the quarter system equivalent.
• Undergraduate Academic Class Status: Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and rising Seniors are eligible to apply. Seniors who will graduate prior to the start of the summer internship are not eligible.
• 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.
• Citizenship:Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• 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: The cover letter must explicitly reference the specific project or projects listed in the job ad that interest you and detail how the project(s) align with your academic and work experiences, knowledge, skills, and abilities. If you are interested in multiple projects, please indicate their ranking.
2. Resume: Must include dates for all related experiences.
3. Current Transcript: Must include all grades earned up to the time of application and may be unofficial.

Desired Qualifications:

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.

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.

Work Schedule: The internship is a ten-week, full-time appointment to take place during the summer months. Exact start and end dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. The program is flexible regarding start and end dates, but summer internships typically occur between the months of May to September when the students are on break from school. Appointments may be extended to future summers depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and the availability of the participant.

Note to Applicants:

Resources for Applicants:

• For assistance or questions related to this job ad, contact Cassandra Casperson at casperson@lanl.gov.
• For technical assistance, email applyhelp@lanl.govor call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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

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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such 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.

*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.

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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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