Student Research Opportunities

Job Description

About Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Student Research Opportunities (Multiple Openings)

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has multiple openings for graduate-level students and for students who have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These positions offer an opportunity to engage in practical research to further educational goals within the Materials Engineering Division (MED) of the Engineering Directorate.

You will provide technical and/or research support to projects in diverse fields including:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Optical Engineering
• Material Science
• Data Science
• Applied Physics
• Bio-engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Ceramic Engineering and Processing
• Non-Destructive Evaluation
• Other related fields

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical and/or research support to projects in the specified engineering and scientific areas, working collaboratively with engineers, scientists, and technical staff members.
• Conduct research and/or projects in an assigned area under limited direction and supervision.
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity.
• Provide advanced technical support to scientists in scientific research and development projects.
• Present and communicate research results to the project group.
• Attend relevant seminars.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• Must be a continuing college or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree, OR have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in one of the following fields: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, optical engineering, material science, or other related fields.
• Experience applying advanced engineering or scientific principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in a scientific curriculum.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas, including research project(s), document work, and give a technical talk/presentation.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications

• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Pay Range

$6,752 – $8,201 Monthly

This position is under a step structure. Please note that the step placement is determined by your most recent completed academic year.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Commitment to our values – learn more at https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Additional Information

Security Clearance

None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.