Entry Level 3D Simulation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What You Will Do
The Weapons Mission Technology Group is seeking a motivated and innovative undergraduate student to join our team as an undergraduate intern. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that support the Laboratory's national security mission through technical analysis and software development. The selected candidate will work alongside experienced scientists and technicians to review mechanical designs, technical drawings, and assist with software tools.
This internship is ideal for students interested in applying computer-aided design and programming skills to real-world engineering challenges. The intern will gain hands-on experience with engineering design processes, and technical documentation while supporting multidisciplinary projects within a collaborative research environment.

• Project/work plan description: Develop and modify mechanical designs and technical drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Support projects through design documentation. Assist with development of software tools, scripts, and automation solutions using Python and Java. Perform data analysis and visualization to support engineering decision-making. Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and project planning activities. Collaborate with technical staff on project development and testing activities.
• Expected duration of the internship: 10-12 weeks during the summer internship period.
• Application deadline for best consideration: Applications will be reviewed as received; apply early for best consideration.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Enrollment in a Bachelor's Degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment.
• Desire to learn new technologies and contribute to diverse technical projects.

Knowledge

• Fundamental engineering design principles and practices.
• Computer-aided design concepts and technical drawing standards.
• Basic programming concepts and software development practices.
• Engineering documentation and configuration control fundamentals.
• Mathematics and analytical problem-solving techniques.

Skills

• Experience using SolidWorks for 3D modeling and design.
• Experience using AutoCAD for drafting and technical drawings.
• Entry-level programming experience in Java.
• Entry-level experience developing scripts or applications using Python.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Abilities

• Ability to learn new software tools and engineering processes quickly.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze technical problems and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.

Education/Experience: Currently enrolled (12 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited undergraduate degree-granting program (or international equivalent). Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). Entering first-year students must provide documentation indicating enrollment into an accredited undergraduate degree program.
Desired Qualifications:

• Coursework in mechanical design, computer-aided design, programming, robotics, manufacturing, or systems engineering.
• Experience with finite element analysis, simulation, or prototyping tools.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
• Experience working on engineering design teams, student projects, research projects, or competitions.
• Experience with data visualization and scientific computing libraries in Python.
• Demonstrated interest in engineering innovation, research, or national security applications.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:

• Applicant reviews will begin on January 3rd, 2026.
• The initial appointment is for 3 months, with possible extensions of up to 3-4 years depending on progress and funding.
• If you have any questions, please contact annie@lanl.gov.
• Salaries range from $$22.57/hr to $30.53/hr depending on education. Full salary information can be found at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/_assets/docs/Student%20Salary%20Structure%202023.pdf

Required Application Materials:

• Current resume
• Current official transcripts
• Personal statement of interest (not to exceed one page)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.