Intern, R&D Graduate Year Round - MW University Partnerships, Remote

We are looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented individual that is capable of supporting technical research to support of Sandia's national security mission. The successful candidate will have a strong technical interest in experimental research and software code development. We are seeking a talented Purdue graduate student for a year-round internship in optimization, inverse methods, and machine learning. The ideal intern for this position will be familiar with finite element modeling, and be proficient in python and C++ coding languages. The focus of the internship project will be to work with the FuSED team (Fusion of Simulation, Experiments, and Data) on software development (python and C++) to enable the solution of inverse problems and training machine learning algorithms based on finite element simulations. The selected applicant can be a remote worker located in any U.S. State or District of Columbia. Regular or periodic travel to your assigned work location may be required.

On any given day, you will be required to

• Assist staff members in testing, developing and analyzing model algorithms
• Assist in processing data using various software systems, including Python, and C++, FEM analysis tools.
• Conduct directed research in these fields utilizing scientific literature
• Meet with team members in group meetings, work directly with a mentor, and report out on work activity to others
• Help plan and design experiments, write reports in PowerPoint or Word
• Partner with staff and graduate interns to support projects objectives

At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.

You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:

• Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
• Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.

Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.

• You must be working towards a Ph.D. or Master's degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, engineering mechanics, applied mathematics or other applicable branches of science or engineering
• You are available start in 2026 spring semester remotely in at an introductory level and then near-full time for 8-weeks during the summer period.
• Experience (or academic focus) in topics in machine learning methods and techniques
• Proficient skills in Python or C++ coding languages
• Experience with finite element analysis, experimental methods, signal processing, model validation and calibration, numerical methods, and measurement systems
• You should be able to work independently, with the ability to integrate effectively into a dynamic multidisciplinary teaming environment
• You should demonstrate strong interpersonal, organization, and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 is desired

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

The FuSED team (Fusion of Simulation, Experiments, and Data) develops methods for solving inverse problems and optimal experimental design using both machine learning and optimization techniques, and applies those methods to engineering problems of interest.

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.