We are seeking Undergraduate Student Interns to join our dynamic team and support experimental research in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-optomechanical systems (NOMS). Our team’s research vision is to scientifically understand the physics of electromechanical and optomechanical behavior at microscales and to apply our understanding to engineer physical systems. For example, we are developing microsystem technologies for sensors, RF signal processing, and quantum information systems by exploiting the optical and electromechanical physics at the microscale.

For this posting, we are seeking Year-Round Student Interns who want to gain skills relevant to a career in research and development, especially in modern micro-scale optical systems, microelectronics, sensors, and quantum information systems. This work will be performed onsite at Sandia in Albuquerque and will require a time commitment between 10 to 20 hours per week in the laboratory when school is in session, full-time during the summer. Residence in Central New Mexico would make commuting easier.

On a given day, you may be called upon to:

• Apply existing knowledge and gain new knowledge toward photonic, phononic, nano-optomechanical, or RF microsystems.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance and experiment setup
• Program computers to control data acquisition, acquire and manage data, analyze data, etc.
• Work in a team environment, learn from others, and contribute your knowledge to the team.

Specific job assignments will depend upon the intersection of the needs of the projects at the time and the skills of the student.

Student internships are career development opportunities. We are especially interested in supporting students who are planning to pursue a related field in graduate school. The development of an undergraduate thesis topic related to this work is possible.

Sandia demonstrates its commitment to public safety in the national interest by requiring that all new hires attest to their vaccination status before commencing employment. The requirement also applies to those who are telecommuting and working virtually.

Any concerns about the ability to meet this requirement should be directed to HR Solutions at (505) 284-4700.

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.

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

• Currently attending and enrolled full time 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 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• U.S. citizenship

The desired characteristics below represent both potential starting points and opportunities for learning and growth in this position. Training will be provided for specific job tasks:

• Academic standing as a Junior is preferred
• Experience working in a laboratory
• Classes/experience with microelectronics, RF electronics, optical systems, laser systems, or microfabrication
• Classes/experience with computer programming, especially for data acquisition
• Classes/experience with finite element analysis tools

Ideally, we would like to see that you possess the following qualities:

• Flexibility to changing tasks and projects as needed
• Problem-solving skills to develop creative technical solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Eagerness to work and share in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• The addition of diversity to the department through background, experience, interests, etc.

You will be part of the MEMS Technology Department (http://mems.sandia.gov/). We conduct research and development for advanced micro-electromechanical systems that push the technology envelope for national security applications.Our broad R&D portfolio includes traditional MEMS sensors and actuators (e.g., inertial sensors and switches), piezoelectric devices (e.g., ultrasonic transducers), RF/acoustic devices (e.g., RF filters), opto/acoustic devices (e.g., optical modulators), magnetic and photovoltaic devices, and emerging technologies. We also develop and maintain a comprehensive set of MEMS fabrication processes in Sandia's MESA Silicon and Micro Fabs, where we build MEMS with traditional bulk and surface micromachining, piezoelectric films, damascene and electrodeposited metals, through substrate vias, wafer bonding, and other semiconductor fab processes. MEMS is an interdisciplinary field. So our team includes a great diversity of technical backgrounds, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, nuclear engineering, and even civil engineering. We highly value technical competence and entrepreneurial spirit. We welcome diversity of all kinds and strive for an inclusive environment.

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.

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.