Intelligence and Space Research Division Graduate Internship Program

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites motivated graduate students to join the Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division as ISR GRA interns. You will be paired with a mentor, tackle a challenging project, and present progress to colleagues, with opportunities for summer and year‑round work in various ISR projects.

Projects vary by skills and interests and support professional development within a structured work plan aligned with your field of study.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program.
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full‑time equivalent).
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Receive mentorship and work on a challenging project in ISR GRA program.
• Present work and progress to colleagues.

Education

Graduate degree program

Job description

What You Will Do

Come join the brightest minds in cutting edge space technology! The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking highly motivated graduate students looking for a challenging internship. Our interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists work, learn, and succeed through a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment.

As an ISR GRA student, we will provide you with a mentor, a challenging project, and an opportunity to present your work and progress to colleagues. Projects will vary depending on your skills and interests and the Laboratory's current needs. The ISR GRA program offers paid summer and year-round internships for graduate students in a variety of Intelligence and Space Research projects. The GRA program provides mentoring, hands‑on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a normalized work plan complementing the student's chosen area of study.

• ISR-1: Space Science and Applications
  
  
  
  • The scientists of ISR-1 are interested in nuclear particle detection (neutrons, gammas, x-rays), plasma and energetic particle instruments, and space weather physics.
  
  
  • Academic backgrounds in ISR-1 are often in one or more of the following disciplines: nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, particle physics, astrophysics, space hardware development, and space weather.
  
  
  
  


• ISR-2: Space and Remote Sensing
  
  
  
  • The engineers and scientists of ISR-2 are interested in radio-frequency sensing, ionospheric and lightning physics, space flight platforms and systems, space communications and networking, and photonics and quantum sensing.
  
  
  • Academic backgrounds in ISR-2 are often in one or more of the following disciplines: applied physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, computer/electrical engineering, lightning science, optics/quantum science, plasma physics, signal processing, software development, space hardware development, and space weather.
  
  
  
  


• ISR-3: Space Data Science and Systems (Hot Skills)
  
  
  
  • The engineers, scientists, and professionals of ISR-3 work in flight software development, data processing, computing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and Mars operations.
  
  
  • Backgrounds in ISR-3 are often in one or more of the following disciplines and skills:
  
  
  
  

Minimum Job Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program


• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full‑time equivalent).


• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 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

A resume and current transcript, showing the above requirements, are required.

Applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter (2 pages or less) that addresses the job requirements of the position and, if applicable, the desired skills and education eligibility.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 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 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 [e-mail] or call [phone], opt. 3.