What are the responsibilities and job description for the Undergraduate Summer Internship - R&D position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
The PSS-2 Storage Safety and Engineering team is seeking an undergraduate student looking for a challenging internship. This will be a summer internship with on-site and hybrid work options.
We are seeking a motivated undergraduate engineering student to join our research lab for the summer to contribute to the development of a user interface for an embedded system. The project
involves designing and implementing a UI for a small display (OLED or LCD) driven by a microcontroller (such as an Arduino or similar platform). This will be integrated into the prototype, and the
student will play a key role in improving usability, functionality, and data interaction. This position is well-suited for a student interested in embedded systems, human-machine interfaces, and
new system development. As an undergraduate intern, we will provide you with a mentor, a challenging project, and an opportunity to present your work and progress to colleagues.
Responsibilities
Minimum Job Requirements:
Note to Applicants:
When applying, candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and their most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).
Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Cover letters are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most noteworthy achievements and accomplishments. Your cover letter should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.
For consideration for an internship during Summer 2026, we encourage applications and required documents to be submitted during Fall 2025 and no later than January 31, 2026. Available internships will be offered on a rolling basis.
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 Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.
LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction,
and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes:
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
The PSS-2 Storage Safety and Engineering team is seeking an undergraduate student looking for a challenging internship. This will be a summer internship with on-site and hybrid work options.
We are seeking a motivated undergraduate engineering student to join our research lab for the summer to contribute to the development of a user interface for an embedded system. The project
involves designing and implementing a UI for a small display (OLED or LCD) driven by a microcontroller (such as an Arduino or similar platform). This will be integrated into the prototype, and the
student will play a key role in improving usability, functionality, and data interaction. This position is well-suited for a student interested in embedded systems, human-machine interfaces, and
new system development. As an undergraduate intern, we will provide you with a mentor, a challenging project, and an opportunity to present your work and progress to colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement a user interface for a small embedded display (OLED/LCD).
- Develop and modify microcontroller firmware to support UI functionality.
- Collaborate with R&D Engineers and technologists to translate research requirements into UI features.
- Integrate display output with hardware inputs (buttons, rotary encoders, sensors, etc.).
- Test, debug, and iteratively refine the UI in a research and prototyping environment.
- Document code, design choices, and experimental usage to support reproducibility and future work.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in any Physical Science or Engineering related discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Math, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering).
- Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent). Entering college freshmen must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an undergraduate degree program.
- Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Ability to self-teach and work independently and learn and adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Basic programming experience (Python, C , etc.) in support of scientific or engineering applications.
- Coursework or hands-on experience with microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino).
- Coursework or hands-on experience with microcontrollers or microcomputers utilizing GPIO functionality (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry PI).
- Experience with OLED or LCD displays and embedded graphics libraries (e.g., U8g2, Adafruit GFX).
- Familiarity with I2C and SPI communication protocols.
- Familiarity with software troubleshooting techniques.
- Exposure to user interface or human-machine interface concepts.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional and/or scientific context.
- Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
- Innovative thinker who can find unique solutions to complex issues that may arise.
Note to Applicants:
When applying, candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and their most recent transcripts (or an acceptance letter if transcripts have not been issued).
Important: Applicants who fail to submit the three required application documents (resume, cover letter, transcript) will not be considered for employment. Cover letters are most effective when they clearly indicate your research interests and highlight your most noteworthy achievements and accomplishments. Your cover letter should also explain how you have demonstrated the application of desired knowledge and skills in your previous academic and work experiences.
For consideration for an internship during Summer 2026, we encourage applications and required documents to be submitted during Fall 2025 and no later than January 31, 2026. Available internships will be offered on a rolling basis.
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 Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.
LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction,
and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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. 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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
- Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.