What You Will Do
Come join the brightest minds in cutting edge space technology! The Intelligence and Space Research (ISR) Division at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking highly motivated undergraduate students (UGSs) looking for a challenging internship. Our interdisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists work, learn, and succeed through a highly creative and dynamic R&D environment. The primary mission of ISR is to develop and test novel remote sensing technologies and the engineering and science necessary to support them. This covers a broad range of applications, but is centered on designing, building, and testing space based technologies that we maintain throughout their operational life cycle to support the Department of Energy's needs.
As an ISR UGS, we will provide you with a mentor, a challenging project, and an opportunity to present your work and progress to colleagues. Projects will vary depending on your skills and interests and the Laboratory's current needs. The ISR UGS program offers paid summer and year-round internships for undergraduate students in a variety of Intelligence and Space Research projects. The UGS program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a normalized work plan complementing the student's chosen area of study.
You will work closely with one of eight groups within the ISR Division:
ISR-1: Space Science and Applications
The scientists of ISR-1 are interested in nuclear particle detection (neutrons, gammas, x-rays), plasma and energetic particle instruments, and space weather physics.
Academic backgrounds in ISR-1 are often in one or more of the following disciplines: nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, particle physics, astrophysics, space hardware development, and space weather.
ISR-2: Electromagnetic Sciences & Cognitive Space Applications
The engineers and scientists of ISR-2 are interested in radio-frequency sensing, ionospheric and lightning physics, space flight platforms and systems, space communications and networking, and photonics and quantum sensing.
Academic backgrounds in ISR-2 are often in one or more of the following disciplines: applied physics, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, computer/electrical engineering, lightning science, optics/quantum science, plasma physics, signal processing, software development, space hardware development, and space weather.
ISR-3: Space Data Science and Systems
The engineers, scientists, and professionals of ISR-3 work in flight software development, data processing, computing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and Mars operations.
Backgrounds in ISR-3 are often in one or more of the following disciplines and skills: physics/astrophysics, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, data science, data engineering, embedded systems programming, FPGA design, and signal processing.
ISR-4: Space Electronics and Signal Processing
The Space Electronics and Signal Processing Group (ISR-4) develops innovative and high reliability instruments for unattended, long-term, failure-free operation in demanding environments such as high radiation, high temperature, and space.
Embedded Electronics Design & Layout
Analog Circuit Design for Specialized Detectors
Digital Signal Processing and Data Collection
Rad-hard Single Board Computer
Specialty Power Supply Design
Applied RF & Antenna Design
ISR-5: Space Instrument Realization
The engineers of ISR-5 focus on mechanical design and analysis, fabrication, integration, and environmental testing in support of advanced space hardware development. Students will contribute by performing fundamental research, creating CAD models, conducting Finite Element Analysis, and supporting rigorous environmental test campaigns; including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum cycling. These efforts directly prepare hardware for successful deployment in both ground-based and spaceflight missions, giving students the opportunity to see their work applied to real-world challenges.
Academic backgrounds in ISR-5 are often in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
ISR-6: Space Remote Sensing and Data Science
The Space Remote Sensing and Data Science Group (ISR-6) develops and deploys sophisticated and customized detection systems and analysis tools to address needs in our key mission areas of nuclear non-proliferation, space domain awareness, atmospheric science, planetary science and exploration, and applied research toward multi-source intelligence applications. ISR-6's engineers, physicists, geophysicists, geologists, computer scientists, and data scientists conceive and design advanced sensing and data technologies.
ISR-7: Space Systems Assurance and Modernization
The Space Systems Assurance and Modernization Group (ISR-7) ensures critical design and operational objectives are met through integration of enhanced processes, quality assurance and control, and project execution across all phases of custom space instrumentation development and deployment. Students in ISR-7 have exceptional organizational skills and strong technical backgrounds including aerospace, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Students support our mission with systems engineering, integration and test support, and project management.
ISR-8: Space Nuclear Sensing
We provide unique space-based nuclear detection capabilities for national security and fundamental science by developing a comprehensive understanding of nuclear sources, signatures, and sensing. Our expertise includes detector modeling, radiation transport, and radiation effects; innovative detector development and deployment; and algorithm and scientific software development. Our work supports the United States Nuclear Detonation (NuDet) Detection System (USNDS) mission and other government sponsors while also contributing to fundamental nuclear and space physics.
Academic backgrounds in ISR-8 are often from one of the following disciplines: Nuclear/High Energy Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Astrophysics/Astronomy, and Space Weather.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program in any STEM field.
Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent).
Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
Desired Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to communicate well (verbal and written) in a professional scientific @context; and commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
Creativity-the ability to think outside the box is crucial for the success of ISR projects and programs.
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:
A resume and current transcript, showing the above requirements, are required.
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
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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
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