Robotics and Automation Internship - Graduate

Are you passionate about engineering and eager to tackle real-world challenges? Internships with the Automation, Robotics, and Controls group (E-3) offer a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical projects that directly support the goals of Los Alamos National Laboratory.

We are seeking outstanding students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds who are driven to make a difference. Selection into our program is competitive and based on academic excellence, relevant experience, and alignment with our program. We welcome applicants from a broad range of applied science disciplines, including but not limited to computer science, physics, aerospace engineering, robotics, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, and electrical engineering.

As an intern with our group, you will work on cutting-edge engineering projects, either independently or as part of a team, under the mentorship of experienced LANL staff. Our mentors are experts in automation, robotics, controls, and programming, and they will guide you as you apply your knowledge to complex, impactful projects.

Past projects have included the development of robotics and automation systems, where students engage with both hardware (electrical/mechanical) and software to solve intricate problems and contribute to broader mission objectives. You will have the opportunity to work with tools and languages such as LabVIEW, programmable logic controllers (PLC), VHDL/Verilog, and the Robot Operating System (ROS), among others.

You may also design and develop custom components like end-effectors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and mounting brackets, integrating sensors and actuators into your projects. Additionally, you will gain experience in creating essential engineering documents, such as requirements specifications, project plans, and technical drawings.

This internship is more than just a summer job-it's a chance to work on meaningful projects that have real-world applications. You'll gain hands-on experience, enhance your technical skills, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field.

Past student projects include:
 

• System integration of a ClearPath Ridgeback with Universal Robotics UR5. Then, a material handling demonstration was designed and implemented.
• Design and fabrication of Dual-Axis Radiography Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility control boxes and PCB boards.
• Design and implementation of a teleoperation system using a UR5e for process maintenance in a glovebox.
• Process automation of a high explosive mixing system.
• Design and implementation of an autonomous bolting and unbolting system for shipping containers using a FANUC arm.
• Design and implementation of a PLC based material handling conveyor system.

Other benefits of the program include participation in weekly seminars on a variety of subjects related to process controls, automation, and robotics engineering such as LabVIEW programming, signal processing, machine learning, shop equipment, cable fabrication, PCB design, and robotic motion planning. Students will apply learned concepts presented in these tutorials to their respective projects. Professional development activities like team building, resume reviews, interviewing skills, and graduate school discussions provide soft skills and career path advice to round out the program. Tours of various LANL facilities such as the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DAHRT) are scheduled throughout the summer.

Students graduating prior to September 2027 will be considered for the highly acclaimed Robotics & Automation Summer School (RASS). RASS is an internship program focusing on developing a proof-of-concept in a multi-disciplinary team. Those systems will be showcased to LANL management. RASS interns may have the opportunity to interview with hiring managers upon completion of the program. Participation in RASS will place students in a strong position for future employment opportunities at LANL.
What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Eligibility Requirements:
 

• Must be currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited graduate program in any engineering or applied science discipline including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, nuclear engineering, materials engineering, aeronautic engineering, and robotic engineering
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester credit hours (or full-time equivalent) during the fall and spring semesters. Students preparing to begin a graduate program of study must provide documentation indicating matriculation into an appropriate degree program
• Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate (verbally and written) well in a professional scientific context.

Application Requirements:

To apply, please submit the following documents:

Resume
 

• One-page Cover Letter
  Your cover letter should address the following:
  • Your interest in the robotics and automation internship, particularly in the development of multi-disciplinary autonomous/robotic systems.
  • Your near-term academic and professional goals (1-3 years).
  • How your experience and qualifications align with the desired qualifications for this internship.
• Complete Transcripts

Important Deadlines: All application materials must be submitted before January 5, 2026. Please note that only complete applications, those including all three required documents, will be considered. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by February 6, 2026.

Desired Qualifications:
 

• Student selected for GRA internships in engineering and applied sciences are most competitive when they possess some of the following knowledge and skills:
• Eagerness and demonstrated record of working as a member of small teams to accomplish tasks safely and efficiently
• Experience designing, fabricating, and assembling electronic, mechanical, or robotic systems
• Computer programming in support of engineering design, data acquisition, analysis, robot control, or machine learning
• Interest in the areas of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI) operation, LabVIEW, and communication protocols
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
• Basic knowledge of, and the ability to, fabricate, test, and document electronic control systems
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical and electronic equipment using common electronics bench instrumentation, such as Digital Multimeters (DMMs), and/or oscilloscopes
• Ability to use standard shop tools such as soldering irons, crimpers, electric screwdriver, punches, etc.
• Laboratory or shop experience demonstrating an attention to detail and commitment to safety, security, and quality

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Work Schedule: The durations of the internship and the work schedule will vary based on the availability of the intern and mentor, and the internship project needs.