Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED): Undergraduate Intern - Summer 2027
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 DescriptionWe have multiple openings for Undergraduate level students or recent grads with Associate Degrees to engage in practical experience to further their technology educational goals. You will support engineering projects involving research, conceptual design, innovative technologies, diagnostics, manufacturing principles, and core processes in product development. If you are energetic and enthusiastic with knowledge and interest in mechanical technologies, electronics technologies, or design & drafting, this internship could be a good match for you. These positions are in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) supporting the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate.
Full time onsite: This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
In this role you will:
- Perform technical assignments with a basic degree of complexity, working directly with a mentor in your field of study
- Provide technical support to engineers and scientific staff in research and development projects to find solutions to real world problems.
- Participate in research in assigned area, under close supervision.
- Utilize standard software packages common in your discipline to complete common tasks.
- Gather and analyze data or information in support of engineering research.
- Document and communicate results of technical data generated.
- Share technical information and promote open dialogue.
- Attend relevant seminars, facility tours, and interact with other students.
- 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 student in good academic standing, enrolled at an accredited institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or is a recent grad in mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, or other technology related field.
- Ability to work full-time for 10-12 weeks during the summer.
- A sustained record of outstanding academic performance.
- Eagerness to contribute to a team-oriented environment utilizing excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Qualifications We Desire
- GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Technical project experience, internships, leadership experience.
- Completion of Junior year at start of internship.
Pay
$23.26 to $31.62 per hour
This position is under a step structure. Please note that the step placement is determined by your most recent completed academic year.
Additional InformationAll 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, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).
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.)
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.
Skills Required
- Must be eligible to access the laboratory under Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act.
- Must be a continuing student or recent graduate enrolled in or holding an associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, or another technology-related field.
- Must be able to work full-time for 10–12 weeks during the summer.
- Sustained record of outstanding academic performance.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Technical project experience, internships, or leadership experience.
- Completion of junior year by the start of the internship.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and has not been reviewed or approved by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% plus additional employer contributions and immediate vesting strengthens total rewards. Clear plan tracks (TCP1/TCP2) and service-based contributions add predictability and long-term value.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical, dental, and vision options, alongside FSAs and an Employee Assistance Program, provide comprehensive coverage. Ongoing open-enrollment updates and published plan details signal active plan management.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off includes vacation, sick leave, and up to 12 holidays, with a paid parental leave program for bonding. Flexibility is reinforced by leave advances and a catastrophic leave-sharing program for serious needs.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Insights
What We Do
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) applies science and technology to make the world a safer place, focusing on national security missions such as nuclear deterrence, nonproliferation, energy security, defense, and intelligence.
