Computer Science Graduate Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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.

Positions will close to applicants on August 28, 2026. Computing mentors will have until September 4, 2026 to make their Fall selections.

We have multiple openings for our Computing Fall Graduate Internship Program taking place from September 1, 2026 through December 18, 2026. These positions are intended for students who have earned their bachelor's degree and will be enrolled in a graduate program by Winter/Spring 2027. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on research that supports their educational and professional development. Selected interns will play a key role in providing technical and/or research support to projects in areas such as computational science, cyber defense, computer science, numerical methods, mathematics, and other related STEM disciplines.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will 

• Provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of computational science, cyber defense, computer science, numerical methods, mathematics, and other related STEM disciplines, working with scientists, engineers, and technical staff members.
• Support documentation, testing, creation or modification of Laboratory software, hardware, or Computer operating systems.
• Conduct research in assigned area under limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of basic to moderate complexity and provide technical support to scientists working on scientific research and development projects.
• Attend relevant seminars (at least one per week).
• Present work through presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be a continuing college student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree by Winter/Spring 2027 in Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, or other related STEM fields.
• Proven ability to adapt and thrive in challenging situations, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills to achieve goals while overcoming setbacks.
• Ability to apply computational science and/or mathematical principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in scientific curriculum.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Experience applying advanced computational science and/or mathematical principles to solve technical problems.
• Experience working with computers and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Age 18 or older at the start of the internship.
• Must have GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Pay
$10,215 Monthly
Please note that the pay is determined by California's Computer Professional Exemption. 

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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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.