Robotics & Automation Intern - Graduate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 20,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tours of LANL facilities

Technical seminars and professional de

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites graduate students in engineering and applied sciences to join the Automation, Robotics, and Controls group (E-3) for summer internships. Work with experienced engineers to design, integrate, and test systems solving real-world challenges aligning with LANL’s mission.

Engage in hands-on development across robotics, control software, mechanical design, sensors, and actuation.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in accredited graduate program in engineering or applied sciences.
• Enrolled in at least 6 semester credits (or full-time equivalent) during fall and spring semesters.
• GPA at least 3.2 on 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Strong verbal and written communication in a professional scientific context.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to design, integrate, and test systems addressing practical LANL challenges.
• Develop control software and algorithms for robotics projects.
• Design mechanical or electronic components; integrate sensors and actuators.
• Document work through requirements, project plans, drawings, and test results.

Skills

Robotics

Control software

Sensors & actuators

LabVIEW

ROS

CAD/FEA

Education

Graduate student in engineering or applied sciences

Tools

LabVIEW

PLC programming

VHDL/Verilog

ROS

CAD

Job description

What You Will Do

Graduate students in engineering, computer science, and related applied sciences can apply their technical expertise to robotics, automation, controls, and custom electronics projects with the Automation, Robotics, and Controls group (E-3) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Interns work with experienced engineers to design, integrate, and test systems that address practical challenges supporting the Laboratory's mission.

We welcome students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, including those studying computer science, physics, aerospace engineering, robotics, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering, and related disciplines. Selection considers academic achievement, relevant experience, and alignment between students' interests and available projects.

Depending on their background and project assignment, interns may develop control software and algorithms, design mechanical or electronic components, integrate sensors and actuators, and evaluate system performance. Students take ownership of defined technical tasks with guidance from LANL mentors and collaborate with engineers and fellow interns to develop solutions, troubleshoot challenges, and share results.

Projects combine hardware and software development and may involve tools and technologies such as LabVIEW, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), VHDL/Verilog, and the Robot Operating System (ROS). Design work may include custom end-effectors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and mechanical fixtures. Students also gain experience documenting their work through requirements specifications, project plans, technical drawings, and test results. Students are not expected to have experience with every listed tool or technology. Project assignments consider students' existing skills and interests, with opportunities to learn additional tools through mentorship and hands‑on work.

Through these projects, interns strengthen their technical skills, gain hands‑on engineering experience, and contribute to systems with practical applications.

Past student projects include:

• Development of an autonomous bolting and unbolting system for shipping containers using a FANUC robotic manipulator.
• Development of a custom battery management system.
• Development of a digital twin for a robotic glovebox system.
• Design and implementation of a PLC‑based material handling conveyor system.
• Development of an automated lubrication system for hydroforming.

The internship includes technical seminars on topics such as LabVIEW programming, signal processing, machine learning, shop equipment, cable fabrication, PCB design, and robotic motion planning. Students can apply concepts from these seminars to their projects. Professional development activities—including team building, resume reviews, interview preparation, and discussions of graduate education and career paths—help students strengthen communication skills and prepare for future opportunities. Tours of LANL facilities, including the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and the Dual‑Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility, are scheduled throughout the summer.

Students completing a master's degree before September 2028 will be considered for the Robotics & Automation Summer School (RASS). RASS interns work in multidisciplinary teams to develop proof‑of‑concept systems and demonstrate their results to LANL management. The internship provides opportunities to build technical skills, network with staff across the Laboratory, and explore potential career opportunities at LANL.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited graduate program in any engineering or applied science discipline including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, nuclear engineering, materials engineering, aeronautic engineering, and robotic engineering
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full‑time equivalent) during the fall and spring semesters. Students preparing to begin a graduate program of study must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate (verbally and written) well in a professional scientific context.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited graduate program in any engineering or applied science discipline including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, nuclear engineering, materials engineering, aeronautic engineering, and robotic engineering
• Must be enrolled in at least 8 semester credit hours (or full‑time equivalent) during the fall and spring semesters. Students preparing to begin a graduate program of study must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Must have a current U.S. citizen.

Important Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted before January 3, 2027. Please note that only complete applications—that include all three required documents—will be considered. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by February 12, 2027.

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in collaborating with a small team to accomplish tasks safely and efficiently.
• Experience designing, fabricating, or assembling electronic, mechanical, or robotic systems.
• Programming experience supporting engineering design, data acquisition, analysis, robot control, or machine learning.
• Interest in or experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human‑machine interfaces (HMIs), LabVIEW, or communication protocols.
• Experience with computer‑aided design (CAD) or finite element analysis (FEA).
• Familiarity with robotics simulation software such as Robotic Operating System (ROS), IsaacSim, etc.
• Basic knowledge of electronic control systems, including fabrication, testing, or documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical or electronic equipment using digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, or other electronics bench instruments.
• Familiarity with fabrication and assembly tools, such as soldering irons, crimpers, and electric screwdrivers.
• Laboratory or shop experience involving attention to detail and safe, secure, quality work practices.

Resources for Applicants

Discover application and interview tips at https://lanl.jobs/creative/about-faq.

Additional information about the RASS program can be found at m.lanl.gov/rass

Applicants may send any questions about the program to [e-mail]

For technical assistance, email [e-mail] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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.

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

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

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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.