Intrigued by the possibility of applying classroom theory in a real-world work environment? Consider Sandia.

Each year, Sandia welcomes students from around the country—from those in their final years of high school to researchers obtaining PhDs—to work in a variety of technical and business positions. Interns work on real-world, challenging projects to contribute to critical national goals.

Many of our research internships can be experienced through technical institutes that encompass a range of disciplines, including cyber security, energy surety, engineering design, and software development. Each institute provides a team to guide and mentor interns in projects aligned with their major or area of particular technical interest. Professional development and social activities supplement project work to create an even more rewarding experience.

Our internships provide students

• Opportunities to work on challenging projects at competitive pay
• Academic credits for some co-op and other internships
• Research mentoring from top scientists and engineers
• Training and practical work experience using state-of-the-art equipment and instruments

In some cases, internships can also lead to an offer of full-time employment.  

• Summer Internship

  These internships, available to students at all education levels from all over the country, typically run 10-12 weeks, generally from May to the last Thursday in August. Summer interns may work up to 40 hours per week.

• Year-Round Internship

  Year-round internship allow students who attend local schools to work part-time at a Sandia site. College juniors and above attending more distant schools may be allowed to work offsite through an official telecommuting agreement (see requirements). During the academic terms, high school and undergraduate students can work up to 25 hours a week, and graduate students up to 30 hours a week. During school breaks, interns may work up to 40 hours per week. 

• Co-Op Internship

  Co-op internships, conducted in partnership with individual schools, allow students to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia, working up to 40 hours a week. Students return to school full-time after the internship. These internships typically run 3–8 months during the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term. Students must be enrolled in their school’s official co-op program to participate.

• Academic Internship

  This non-traditional internship is available to R&D or technical pipeline students who are attending a school with a track system or who have an alternative status that allows deferral of a term. Students remain active in their degree programs and return to school full-time after the internship, which typically runs 3–5 months and may include an adjacent summer. Academic interns may work up to 40 hours per week.