What Your Job Will Be Like:

The Nuclear Energy Fuel Cycle team is seeking graduate students inspired to make a difference in the world by tackling the challenging problem of spent nuclear fuel disposal. You will be working alongside experts in the science and engineering of deep geologic disposal on international collaborations that close knowledge gaps, build confidence in disposal options, and develop the tools needed for disposal concept implementation. Multiple positions are available; successful candidates will engage in projects that align with their skills and interests.

On any given day, you may participate in one or more of the following activities:

• Implement models of the processes affecting radionuclide release and transport in the subsurface
• Support experimental work to characterize the evolution of engineered and natural materials in a repository.
• Apply software programming skills to problems of simulation, visualization, or data collection and processing.
• Apply methods of machine learning, data analytics, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, or inverse modeling to a variety of problems
• Develop publications and presentations.
• Participate in the Earth and Energy Systems summer intern program.

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/51/2024/12/Student-Rate-Sheet-2025.docx) .

Qualifications We Require:

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

• Earned bachelor's degree
• Currently attending and enrolled full time in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• Ability to secure and maintatin a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

Note: If you have not yet started your graduate program, please apply to an undergraduate intern position.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Enrolled in a graduate program in a SEM field such as earth science, chemistry, physics, math; civil or environmental engineering, mechanical, chemical, or nuclear engineering
• Classes in subjects such as: engineering physics, reactor design, hydrogeology, aqueous geochemistry, mineralogy, probability, differential equations, computer programming, numerical methods, machine learning, or data analytics
• Applicable skills developed through one or more of the following:
• Experience performing laboratory experiments and/or using analytical instruments.
• Experience with development and application of mathematical and/or statistical models.
• Experience with numerical simulation of mechanical, chemical, hydrological, thermal, or neutronics processes
• Experience with the Linux operating system, computer programming and/or scripting
• Demonstrated ability to succeed through teaming with others, to work independently, and to apply creative solutions to problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present technical ideas in oral and written form.

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 Nuclear Waste Disposal Research and Analysis Department executes experimental studies and develops process models to further the scientific bases for safe geologic disposal of high-level nuclear waste. This includes investigation of natural system processes in argillite (clay/shale), crystalline (granitic), and salt host rocks. It also includes investigations of the function and evolution of engineered barrier systems. Research activities encompass waste form behavior, radionuclide release and transport, as well as natural and engineered barrier system performance.

The Applied Systems Analysis and Research Department delivers simulation and analysis capabilities for probabilistic performance assessment of deep geologic disposal systems for spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. We partner with colleagues at Sandia, other national labs, and universities to implement and demonstrate innovative solutions for multiphysics, multiscale modeling, uncertainty quantification, and sensitivity analysis. Our capabilities are also applied to simulation and analysis of subsurface systems in Sandia's energy, climate, and nonproliferation program spaces.

NEFC Sociotechnical Systems Department develops a wide range of solutions to the nuclear energy fuel cycle (NEFC) that operate on the nexus of social sciences and engineering research and development. - We develop sociotechnical systems solutions to radioactive waste management issues, including consent-based siting for interim storage and repository options. - We study the consequences of postclosure criticality on the performance of a deep geologic repository - We develop and manage tools and procedures for quality assurance, workforce development, and knowledge management through the retention and transfer of tacit knowledge from the radioactive waste disposal work force. - We support holistic analysis and integration of technologies for the commercial deployment of an advanced reactors ecosystem.

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 L-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 the 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: 694909

Job Family: 91

Regular/Temporary Position: T

Full/Part-Time Status: P