What Your Job Will Be Like:

The Applied Optical and Plasma Sciences Department is seeking an Undergraduate Summer Intern to aid in the designing, building, and testing of novel infrared optical systems. You will work closely with Sandia’s highly interdisciplinary Light-Induced Thermal Imaging Lab (LITIL), and will be responsible for optical design of new infrared imaging systems. The research effort will extend understanding of metaoptics to their utility in infrared imaging systems. Additionally, you will be exposed to state-of-the-art optical characterization: thermoreflectance and spectroscopy, for material’s characterization. You will be expected to effectively contribute to team efforts in order to publish and present research results in leading journals and conferences, respectively.

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 (https://www.sandia.gov/app/uploads/sites/51/2024/10/Student-Rate-Sheet-Sept-2024.pdf) .

Qualifications We Require:

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

• Currently attending and enrolled full time in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) 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 40 hours per week during the summer

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

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

Qualifications We Desire:

• Eagerness to learn about optical alignment and characterization

• Self-motivation to work in a cutting-edge research lab

• Strong leadership skills and experience working in a collaborative environment within a multidisciplinary team

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills that foster effective scientific collaborations

• Experience with the theory and/or experiments in optics

• Experience with electrical measurements: oscilloscopes, function generators, etc.

• Understanding of thermal physics including thermoreflectance metrology

• Understanding of Raman or other vibrational spectroscopies

• Interest in learning about advanced computational modeling pertaining to optical phenomena (i.e., FDTD, RCWA, Lumerical, COMSOL, etc.)

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:

The department has three main thrust areas: Laser and Optical Diagnostics, Low Temperature Plasma Physics, and Thermal Characterization of Materials. The Laser and Optical Diagnostics thrust conducts innovative research and application development in LIDAR remote sensing, laser sources and characterization, and optical spectroscopy providing unique, real-time, non-contact, in-situ optical diagnostic capabilities. The Low Temperature Plasma physics thrust investigates a range of phenomena from fundamental plasma physics to the application of plasma science for understanding device operation. A tightly coupled group of experimental and computational physicists develop novel experimental diagnostics and advanced computational models targeting plasma-surface interactions, arc discharge (vacuum to high pressure), and complex plasma chemistry. The Thermal Characterization thrust researches the fundamental thermal properties and decomposition products and pathways of a wide variety of materials experiencing an expansive range of environments. This work entails both state-of-the-art diagnostics as well as developing custom diagnostics and techniques to provide information on the underlying science of thermal behaviors of materials.

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.

Job ID: 694811

Job Family: 91

Regular/Temporary Position: T

Full/Part-Time Status: P