About the role
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern Year Round to support our staff in developing and analyzing advanced thermal energy systems at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility. This individual should expect to spend their time modeling both existing and new or novel thermal systems for process heat and power applications. They should also expect and be able to support working closely with out technologists with hand on projects outside and around the facility.
On any given day you should expect to
Spend time modeling both existing and novel thermal storage systems against provided criteria
Be willing to support on site and outdoors experiments on the site
Work closely with peers and site engineers to execute critical modeling work
Be willing to take on challenging problems and projects
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
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 an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Some familiarity with Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) or other thermal energy systems
Experience using 3D CAD modeling software with ANSYS a plus
Demonstrated experience using MS Office and excellent written and oral communication skills
Experience working in an industrial facility or operational environment
Experience in test operations and experimental design
Experience using basic hand tools (Drills, wrenches, and Multimeters)
Knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, or material mechanics
Experience using LabView or any DAQ/control software
Any experience programming in Labview, Matlab, or Python
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Solar Thermal Test & Demonstration department operates Sandia's National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF), a globally unique, multi-mission R&D capability that enables pioneering research and technology development for energy and aerospace applications. Using concentrated sunlight, our team creates extreme thermal and combined harsh environments for tests ranging from small-scale coupons to full-scale, multi-story components and systems. We develop and test advanced thermal protection materials, optical metrology systems, innovative solar thermal energy technologies, and heat transfer technologies, including heat exchangers and heat pumps.
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 vacation, 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
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. 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.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
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: 698829
Job Family: 91
Regular/Temporary Position: T
Full/Part-Time Status: P