Defense Science and Technology Internship Graduate Student - Summer 2027

Company Description

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 Description

We're looking for aDefense Science and Technology Internship Graduate Student and for students who have received their bachelor’s or master’s degree, to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. You will conduct research in fields such as nuclear physics, radiation transport, hydrodynamics, astrophysics, plasma dynamics, numerical methods and computer science. Research projects combine theory with computation and are geared to further the students’ educational goals.You will report to the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home 1 day per week.

You will

• Develop and/or employ high performance scientific software to complete novel research tasks.
• Work with mentors under limited supervision on your assigned project.
• Present an oral presentation of each project at the end of the summer.
• Present your work at a poster session.
• Work on projects of greater complexity and given more freedom and responsibility to come up with fundamental solutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Security Clearance is not required however due to federal requirements applicable to this position, US citizenship is required.
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university and actively pursuing a graduate degree or completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree with a focus in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related field.
• Must have experience applying basic principles of physics, engineering and/or computer science to solve technical problems.
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Math, Physics and Engineering majors should intend to complete a Ph.D.
• Students should have a track record of achievement in their field of study.

Qualifications We Desire

• Coding experience (e.g., Python, C++).
• GPA of 3.5 or above.

Application Deadline January 29, 2026

Pay Range

$6,752 - $8,201 Monthly

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

Additional Information

All 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

Security Clearance

None required. However, due to federal requirements applicable to this position, U.S. citizenship is required.

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.

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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.

Organization: Strategic DeterrenceCategory: StudentsJob Code 2: 712.0 Intern ExemptEmployee Referral Bonus: Not applicableJob Code 1: 705.2 Grad Student R&D/TechnicalPre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicablePosition Type: Student InternSecurity Clearance: None required. However, due to federal requirements applicable to this position, U.S. citizenship is required.