Intern, R&D Graduate Summer - AI for Autonomy, Onsite

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are currently hiring Graduate Interns to join our AutonomyNM Institute for Summer 2025. AutonomyNM interns work with expert staff in research and development of autonomous systems from stationary to hypersonic applications, from a single vehicle to swarms. Examples of tasks include developing algorithms, developing software, coding at various levels from high level to assembly, integrating processors (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, GPU) into flight hardware, programming robots, performing system ID of drones, generating trajectories, flying drones, analyzing test data, modeling/simulating dynamic systems, etc. Mentoring and training will be provided.

We are looking for interns with a passion for research in aerospace navigation/guidance, autonomous systems and control, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, algorithm development, neural networks, computer vision/image processing, sensing and perception, localization, sensor fusion, high-fidelity dynamic simulation, software and hardware development. Our program is interdisciplinary and welcomes students in the following majors:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical/Computer Engineering
• Robotics or Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Statistics or Data science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Other STEM majors related to the above.

Salary Range

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 .

Qualifications We Require

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

• Earned bachelor's degree
• Currently attending and enrolled full time in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• Ability to secure and maintatin a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

Note: If you have not yet started your graduate program, please apply to an undergraduate intern position.

Qualifications We Desire

• Proficiency in a computer language such as C++, Python, CUDA, Julia, Matlab, or the like; and at least one of the following:
• Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control
• Classes in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, etc
• Experience with embedded systems, drones, robots, or other systems used in autonomy, or a motion capture system.
• Familiarity with sensor phenomenology such as optical, multispectral, or radar
• Proficiency in Linux, ROS, an RTOS, or some engineering software like Simulink, GNSS-SDR, Verilog/VHDL, Mathematica, SPSS, etc.
• Experience in DSP/Signal Processing, Computer Vision/Image Processing.
• A GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy secret clearance.

Posting Duration

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.

About Our Team

AutonomyNM Intern Institute conducts research and engineering to be applied to: 1) Autonomous sensing and target recognition, decisioning, and navigation/guidance/control (NGC) systems; 2) Cooperative autonomous systems for high consequence mission execution; and 3) AI-enabled modeling and analysis of national security technologies.

AutonomyNM exists to innovate and implement autonomy solutions for our national security mission. We do this by mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists, investing in our staff to develop new capabilities, and demonstrating cutting-edge research in the lab and beyond. Our interns also participate in activities of a large intern hub, Technical Internships to Advance National Security (TITANS) that includes tracks for Cybersecurity, Software and Math and Analytics.

AutonomyNM is funded partly by the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office that includes university collaborations, an innovative research portfolio in autonomous systems development, and flight demonstrations of technology advancement. Summer Interns at AutonomyNM will have the opportunity to perform experiments in a state-of-the-art 4000-sqft high bay drone lab with a high-resolution motion capture system.

About Sandia

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 vacations, 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.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. 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.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

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.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

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.