National Security Engineering Division (NSED) Graduate Intern - Summer 2026

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

The National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate has multiple openings for graduate level students and for students who received a bachelor’s or master’s degree to engage in practical research to further their educational goals. You will provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, nuclear and chemical engineering, space, applied physics, data science, or other related fields. These positions are within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

You will

• Provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics, or other related fields, working with engineers, scientists, and technical staff members.
• Ability to work full time for ten to twelve weeks during your internship.
• Conduct research in assigned area under limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and providing advanced technical support to scientist in scientific research and development projects.
• Communication skills necessary to communicate research project(s), document work and give a technical talk/presentation.
• Attend relevant seminars and facility tours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be a continuing college or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree or has completed their bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, material science, or other related fields.
• Experience applying advanced engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in a scientific curriculum.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas including research project(s), document work and present and give a technical presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working with computers and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications We Desire

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Technical project experience.
• Familiarity with tools associated to your field of study.

Pay Range

$6,752 - $8,201 Monthly

This position is under a step structure.  Please note that the step placement is determined by your most recent completed academic year. 

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test