Welding & Joining Post-Master's Intern

About the Role

Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing manufacturing science and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Division is a service-oriented capability that supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high-quality, one-of-a-kind prototype components.

Join the Welding & Joining (W&J) team to advance welding technologies through state-of-the-art computational modeling and experimental research. As a post-master's intern, you will apply your expertise in welding and/or brazing processes and related metallurgical challenges to optimize joining processes. Research opportunities also exist in experimental validation, advanced materials characterization, and data-driven process optimization.

Expected duration of the internship: 12 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with research activities under the guidance of your mentor and the W&J team
• Support validation of computational predictions through experimental testing and advanced characterization
• Help develop innovative methods to address manufacturing challenges
• Collaborate with team members across Sigma Division to advance welding and joining technologies
• Contribute to drafting technical papers and help prepare presentations for conferences
• Provide support in proposal development for future research and development opportunities
• Offer foundational technical assistance in welding, joining, and metallurgical sciences to help advance LANL's mission

Our team supports diverse applications including high energy density welding (laser, electron beam), arc welding, brazing, and solid-state joining. You will have access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities to conduct world-class research.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Experience in fundamental or applied welding, joining, material science, process modeling, computer programming, or related fields
• Ability to clearly and professionally communicate research findings, with demonstrated contributions to drafting technical materials or conference materials
• Evidence of successful collaboration in team-based research environments
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship
• Exposure to welding and joining processes; understanding of high energy density methods (laser beam welding, electron beam welding, laser/electron beam optics), arc welding (GTAW, GMAW), brazing, solid state welding, or other joining methods is beneficial but not required
• Working knowledge of welding metallurgy, solidification phenomena, or metallurgical characterization techniques
• Interest with structural integrity aspects of welding and joining, such as residual stress measurement/prediction, fracture mechanics analysis, flaw sizing techniques, and/or distortion modeling
• Experience with data acquisition systems, sensor technologies, or motion control systems for welding or additive manufacturing equipment
• Programming experience with Python, MATLAB, or other languages applicable to data analysis and process modeling
• Familiarity with FEA and CFD models (Abaqus, COMSOL, and FLOW-3D) to simulate welding and additive manufacturing processes
• Familiarity and/or interest with AI/ML applications in manufacturing or materials science

Qualifications

• Must have earned a Master's degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) within the last 3 years in an appropriate field.
• Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Work Location

• Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Clearance

• Position will be cleared to a Q clearance level.
• Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.
• Obtaining a Q clearance requires U.S. Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.