Intern, R&D Graduate Summer
Sandia National Laboratories
About the Role
Join Sandia's MissionTech program as an R&D Graduate Summer Intern in Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications (SIGMA). This onsite internship offers motivated graduate students in various science and engineering disciplines the opportunity to work on real-world projects with national security impact. You will develop systems, science, and technology to meet national security objectives, engaging with multiple scientific disciplines to produce functional, robust, integrated microsystems.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage with multiple scientific disciplines to produce functional, robust, integrated microsystems.
- Contribute to advanced concepts integrating electronics, sensors, photonics, Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), and quantum components.
- Gain valuable exposure to technical and national security challenges.
- Participate in a hands-on, cutting-edge research environment with real-life applications.
- Develop valuable skills while collaborating with other students under the mentorship of the professional MESA community.
- Receive preparation and guidance toward a rewarding career path.
- Develop personal and professional networks with leaders in national-level conversations.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Ability to work onsite.
- Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Earned bachelor's degree.
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring).
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.
Desired Qualifications
- Strong interest in supporting national security and U.S. government missions.
- Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Proven ability to collaborate and interact well within a technical team environment.
- Interest and experience in one or more of the following microelectronic areas:
- Fabrication
- Device physics
- Electrical testing
- Radiation effects and testing
- Noise measurements
- Material characterization
- Digital circuit design
- Analog mixed-signal and digital design
- Optical characterization
- Radio frequency (RF) design/testing
- Printed circuit board (PCB) design/layout
- Defect analysis
- Proficiency in data analysis and programming using:
- Python
- MATLAB
- LabVIEW
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- AI automated testing
- Experienced in process optimization utilizing LEAN Six Sigma methodologies.
About Our Team
MissionTech is an internship program supporting the Nuclear Deterrence and Science (ND&S) mission at Sandia National Laboratories. It comprises six mission centers, including Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications (SIGMA). Projects span multiple disciplines and focus on areas such as engineering design, product testing, component research and development, remote sensing, and data analytics, all with real national security implications. Interns are integrated into project teams and collaborate with experienced technical staff.