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Robotics & Automation Internship

Los Alamos National Laboratory
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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.
  • Implementation of a robotic foil laser welding system with custom designed end-effector.
  • 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 tutorials 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, 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 before prior to September 2026 will be considered for the highly acclaimed Robotics & Automation Summer School (RASS). RASS is an internship program focusing on developing a prototype in a multi-disciplinary team. Those prototypes will be showcased to LANL management. RASS interns may have the opportunity to interview with hiring managers upon completion of the program. In addition, RASS teams will compose a paper which will be submitted to an industry conference for presentation. If accepted, reimbursement of travel costs for the conference presentation will be provided. Participation in RASS will place students in a strong position for future employment opportunities at LANL.