What are the responsibilities and job description for the DTRA Instrumentation Development and Testing Research Opportunity - Bachelor's/Master's level position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DTRA-2026-0002
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Test and Assessment (TS) Department, Test Diagnostics Branch is offering a full-time internship opportunity for a recent, or soon-to-be, bachelor's or master's degree graduate. This research opportunity is designed around the instrumentation used for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Testing program.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to develop and field new and upgraded instrumentation equipment for CBRNE testing, that may include measurements of pressure, temperature, force, displacement, and also chemical, biological, and radiological detection.
Why should I apply?
Education
DTRA offers a distinctly unique experience for research-based experiences, professional development, and future career opportunities for selected fellows and interns, not to mention the beauty of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. As the selected participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in educational activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
What is the anticipated start date?
The Test and Assessment (TS) Department, Test Diagnostics Branch at DTRA is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a full-time, twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
What are the appointment provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DTRA. The stipend range for this internship will range between $5500.00 - $6700.00/month based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. In addition, DTRA will include a monthly health insurance provision to help offset the cost of a health insurance premium.
Other Provisions May Include The Following
About DTRA
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the DoD, the United States Government, and international partners to DETER strategic attack against the United States and its allies; PREVENT, reduce, and counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and emerging threats; and PREVAIL against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict. This opportunity is within the Research and Development Directorate of DTRA, Test and Assessment Department. For more information about the DTRA, please visit https://www.dtra.mil/.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have an earned bachelor's or master's degree in technical science, engineering, or applied mathematics within the past 60 months or are expected to earn the degree in one of these disciplines by January 1, 2027.
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Stipend
$5,500.00 – $6,700.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Richard
Eligibility Requirements">13 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DTRA-2026-0002
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Test and Assessment (TS) Department, Test Diagnostics Branch is offering a full-time internship opportunity for a recent, or soon-to-be, bachelor's or master's degree graduate. This research opportunity is designed around the instrumentation used for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Testing program.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to develop and field new and upgraded instrumentation equipment for CBRNE testing, that may include measurements of pressure, temperature, force, displacement, and also chemical, biological, and radiological detection.
Why should I apply?
Education
DTRA offers a distinctly unique experience for research-based experiences, professional development, and future career opportunities for selected fellows and interns, not to mention the beauty of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. As the selected participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in educational activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
- Learning to use instruments that provide precise measurements of high frequency phenomena
- Developing new instrumentation systems (hardware / software) for tests
- Creating the instrumentation plan for test events
- Learning how to document the fielding and data collection methods
- Documenting the instrumentation development process, test fielding and results
Albuquerque, New Mexico
What is the anticipated start date?
The Test and Assessment (TS) Department, Test Diagnostics Branch at DTRA is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a full-time, twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
What are the appointment provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DTRA. The stipend range for this internship will range between $5500.00 - $6700.00/month based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. In addition, DTRA will include a monthly health insurance provision to help offset the cost of a health insurance premium.
Other Provisions May Include The Following
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation/Dislocation
- Training and Travel
About DTRA
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the DoD, the United States Government, and international partners to DETER strategic attack against the United States and its allies; PREVENT, reduce, and counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and emerging threats; and PREVAIL against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict. This opportunity is within the Research and Development Directorate of DTRA, Test and Assessment Department. For more information about the DTRA, please visit https://www.dtra.mil/.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have an earned bachelor's or master's degree in technical science, engineering, or applied mathematics within the past 60 months or are expected to earn the degree in one of these disciplines by January 1, 2027.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required
- Candidate must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Experience with development and operation of instrumentation systems
- Experience operating laboratory test equipment (i.e. signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes)
- Experience engaging in a team environment
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Resume (PDF)
- Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- Two Recommendations - We encourage you to contact your recommenders as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. The recommender will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Stipend
$5,500.00 – $6,700.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Richard
Eligibility Requirements">13 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2027 12:00:00 AM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
- Discipline(s):
- Engineering (
Show more
Salary : $5,500 - $6,700