Robotics & Automation Intern, Undergraduate

About the Role

Undergraduate 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop control software and algorithms.
• Design mechanical or electronic components.
• Integrate sensors and actuators.
• Evaluate system performance.
• Take ownership of defined technical tasks with guidance from LANL mentors.
• Collaborate with engineers and fellow interns to develop solutions, troubleshoot challenges, and share results.
• Document work through requirements specifications, project plans, technical drawings, and test results.

Projects may involve

• Custom end-effector design.
• Printed circuit board (PCB) design.
• Mechanical fixture design.
• Hardware and software development.

Past Student Project Examples

• 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.

Internship Activities

• Technical seminars on topics such as LabVIEW programming, signal processing, machine learning, shop equipment, cable fabrication, PCB design, and robotic motion planning.
• Professional development activities including team building, resume reviews, interview preparation, and discussions of graduate education and career paths.
• Tours of LANL facilities, including the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility.

Robotics & Automation Summer School (RASS)

• Students completing a bachelor's degree before September 2028 will be considered.
• RASS interns work in multidisciplinary teams to develop proof-of-concept systems and demonstrate their results to LANL management.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• LabVIEW
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• VHDL/Verilog
• Robot Operating System (ROS)

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate (verbally and written) well in a professional scientific context.

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.

Application Requirements

• Resume
• One-page Cover Letter
• Address your interest in the robotics and automation internship, particularly in the development of multi-disciplinary autonomous/robotic systems.
• Address your near-term academic and professional goals (1-3 years).
• Address how your experience and qualifications align with the desired qualifications for this internship.
• Complete Transcripts

Important Deadlines

• All application materials must be submitted before January 3, 2027.
• Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by February 12, 2027.

Work Environment

• Onsite work location in Los Alamos, NM.

Clearance

• Q (Position will be cleared to this level).
• Subject to a background investigation.
• Requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances for Q clearance.