Laser and Experimental Systems Engineering Graduate Intern - Summer 2026

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$6,620 - $8,040 monthly

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

We have multiple openings for continuing graduate level scholars and recent graduates within one year to engage in practical research, design, and analysis experience 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, computational engineering, or other related fields.  This support may include (but is not limited to) optics processing, design engineering, data mining and analysis, motion control systems, optomechanical systems, electromechanical systems and mechatronics, or a variety of diagnostic systems (including x-ray, optical, and neutron). These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations Division in support of the National Ignition Facility & Photon Sciences Directorate. 

In this job, you will

• Provide technical and/or research, design, and/or analytical support to projects in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, computational engineering, or other related fields working with engineers, scientists, and technical staff members.
• Conduct research in assigned area under limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and provide advanced technical support to scientist in scientific research and development projects.
• Gather and analyze data or information in support of scientific research.
• Attend relevant seminars and prepare a poster for the annual Summer Poster Symposium.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 scholar in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree or a recent graduate within one year.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in a scientific curriculum.
• Experience applying advanced engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Ability to apply basic engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Communication skills necessary to communicate research project(s), document work and give a technical talk/presentation.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
•  Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
•  Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications We Desire

• GPA of 3.5 or above.

NOTE:  This is a Temporary Student Intern appointment.  This assignment is for a full-time position during the summer academic break; a co-op position, full-time during the academic semester/quarter, or a year-round part-time position during the academic year and full time during academic breaks. Refer to the Scholar Program website at https://scholars.llnl.gov/ for additional student employment information. 

Salaries are based on student academic level. 

Selected applicants will be required to provide transcripts.

#LI-Onsite

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

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

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.