Defense Contractor Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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
The National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate has multiple openings for graduate level students and for students who received a bachelor's or master's degree to engage in practical research to further their educational goals. You will provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, nuclear and chemical engineering, space, applied physics, data science, or other related fields.These positions are within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.
You will

• Provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics, or other related fields, working with engineers, scientists, and technical staff members.
• Ability to work full time for ten to twelve weeks during your internship.
• Conduct research in assigned area under limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and providing advanced technical support to scientist in scientific research and development projects.
• Communication skills necessary to communicate research project(s), document work and give a technical talk/presentation.
• Attend relevant seminars and facility tours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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 or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree or has completed their bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, material science, or other related fields.
• Experience applying advanced engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in a scientific curriculum.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas including research project(s), document work and present and give a technical presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working with computers and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications We Desire

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Technical project experience.
• Familiarity with tools associated to your field of study.

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
#LI-Onsite
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best 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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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.
CaliforniaPrivacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob 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 .