Undergraduate Computational Nuclear Engineer or Software Developer

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO/HDHP)

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) (6% match + 3.5% annual)

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Onsite gyms

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks undergraduate students in nuclear engineering, physics, or computer science who want to impact national security. You will contribute to modeling, simulation, and software development across multi-disciplinary teams, using state-of-the-art tools for radiation transport and systems analysis.

The role offers exposure to full-stack development with SCRUM/AGILE practices and dedicated mentors.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated foundational knowledge in nuclear engineering, physics, CS, or related field.
• Experience applying computational methods to engineering/physics/software development.
• Exposure to radiation transport, reactor physics, numerical modeling, or full-stack development using SCRUM/AGILE.

Responsibilities

• Modeling, simulation, and analytical support for nuclear systems and security applications.
• Develop software deployed for nuclear systems and contribute to full-stack development.
• Work with scientists/engineers on computational models and verification/validation.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

BS in nuclear eng/physics/CS

GPA 3.0+

Enrollment as undergrad (12 cr/ft eq)

Matriculation documentation for first-years

Tools

Python

C#

ASP/Net

C++

Java

JavaScript

JSON

YAML

ASP.Net Core

Blazor

Node.js

React

FAST Frameworks

Microservices

Event Driven Architectures

SCRUM/AGILE

MCNP

Job description

What You Will Do

Nuclear Systems (NEN-5) is a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers providing modeling and analysis capabilities to design and evaluate the potential risks of complex systems such as nuclear fuel cycles and to provide software engineering for multiple applications. We are seeking undergraduate students interested in nuclear science/engineering and computer science/software development related careers who want to make an impact in one or more areas of our Global Security mission. Ideal candidates will take an active role in either modeling, simulation, and analytical support for nuclear systems and security applications or in developing software that will be deployed for nuclear systems. Students may work with scientists and engineers to develop, execute, and analyze computational models using state-of-the-art tools for radiation transport, reactor systems analysis, and systems-level modeling. Students may also work with a full-stack software development team utilizing a variety of software languages, frameworks and modernization of legacy scientific codebases. The students will participate across multiple teams and gain exposure to problem solving and modeling and analysis workflow, including problem formulation, code development or application, verification and validation, interpretation of results, and software quality assurance. Locally, this will include attending group meetings within NEN-5 and participating in seminars and technical exchanges with other organizations across the Laboratory.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Technical Experience

Demonstrated foundational knowledge and hands‑on experience in nuclear engineering, physics, computer science, or a closely related science or engineering discipline. Experience applying computational or analytical methods to engineering, physics, or software development, including exposure to radiation transport, reactor physics, numerical modeling, or full-stack software development using SCRUM and AGILE technologies.

Communications

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional scientific or technical environment, both verbally and in writing. Experience documenting technical work through reports, presentations, or instructional materials. Proficiency with standard business and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Teamwork

Experience working collaboratively in team-based environments, including research, instructional, or operational settings. Ability to work effectively with peers, mentors, and multidisciplinary teams.

Education/Experience

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering, physics, computer science, or a related science or engineering field (or recent graduate) from an accredited program, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Currently enrolled (12 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited undergraduate degree-granting program (or international equivalent). Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). Entering first-year students must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an accredited undergraduate degree program.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in radiation transport, reactor physics, systems-level nuclear analysis, or computer science
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (e.g., MCNP) or similar computational modeling tools
• Experience with scientific programming or scripting (e.g., Python) in support of modeling, simulation, or data analysis
• Experience documenting technical methods and results for reports, presentations, or academic publications
• C# and ASP/Net, C++, JAVA JavaScript or Python languages.
• JSON, YAML or Message Pack serialization languages.
• ASP.Net Core, Blazor, Node.js, React, FAST Frameworks.
• MCV, MVP, Microservices and Event Driven Architectures.
• 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 Environment

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 and desired skills. 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 insurancePaid 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.

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.