Intern, R&D Graduate Summer - Autonomy Hypersonics, Onsite

We are currently hiring Graduate Interns to join the Pathfinder Technologies Group in Summer 2027. Graduate interns work with expert staff in research and development of autonomous systems from stationary to hypersonic applications, from a single vehicle to swarms. Examples of tasks include developing algorithms, developing software, coding at various levels from high level to assembly, integrating processors (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, GPU) into flight hardware, generating trajectories, analyzing test data, modeling/simulating dynamic systems, etc.

Mentoring and training will be provided.

We are looking for interns with a passion for research in autonomous systems, algorithm development, computer vision/image processing, signal processing, sensing and perception, localization, sensor fusion, high-fidelity dynamic simulation, and aerospace navigation/guidance/control software and hardware development. Our program is interdisciplinary and welcomes students in the following majors:

Computer Science

Robotics or Artificial Intelligence

Applied Mathematics

Statistics or Data science

Mechanical Engineering

Other STEM majors related to the above.

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)

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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:

Proficiency in a computer language such as C++, Python, CUDA, or Matlab

Experience with sensor fusion, embedded software, computer vision, or other relevant autonomous system technologies

Experience with Navigation, Guidance, and Control, especially for flight systems

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:

Pathfinder Technologies conceptualizes and rapidly prototypes autonomous technologies for perception, navigation, guidance, and control in anticipation of warfighter needs. Through strategic partnership, we demonstrate and deploy those technologies to strengthen national defense superiority.

Autonomy for Hypersonics (A4H) advances new capabilities for the warfighter through customer-funded and internally-funded autonomy, mod/sim, and NG&C R&D. A4H also execute Autonomy NM, an initiative to foster collaboration between Sandia and national research partners that includes university partnerships, a new unmanned systems experimental facility, and a large student internship program.

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…