Job Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for an Undergraduate Student in the Nuclear Criticality Safety Division (NCSD) in the Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Directorate. You will work under the direction of the NCSD to complete a project, or series of projects, that combines hands-on experience with technical knowledge. This individual will interact with all levels of personnel at the Laboratory including managers, experimenters, technicians, and other personnel that may be outside the ESH directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person (summer) and virtual (school year) presence.

You will

• Participate in a multi-laboratory NNSA research project on a semi-remote basis.
• Model radiation and imaging detector responses of nuclear systems.
• Utilize Python or C++, nuclear interaction physics, and nuclear data formatting.
• Perform laboratory experiments and interpret results to build and validate detector models and response functions.
• Perform technical analysis of data and apply effective analytical and problem-solving skills to complex problems.
• Perform technical/scientific assignments at a basic to moderate degree of complexity and provide advanced technical support to engineers and scientists.
• Perform independent technical or operational tasks and projects and/or support research efforts.
• Provide comprehensive support to LLNL programs, operations, and/or research in collaboration with senior staff members to resolve moderately complex to complex issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• Must be a college or university student pursuing an undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering or a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., mechanical/systems engineering, nuclear physics, particle physics, radiochemistry), or equivalent combination of education and prior relevant experience.
• Experience in neutron detection for nuclear security applications.
• Understanding of experimental nuclear physics.
• Experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution, including analytical techniques in nuclear diagnostics.
• Experience with Python or C++.
• Ability to apply scientific methods to solve a defined problem or study question.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Ability to apply basic and fundamental safety concepts in a work environment.
• Experience in research, manufacturing and/or laboratory-type work settings.
• Working knowledge of coupling simulation codes, integrating updated nuclear data libraries, evaluating (α,n) cross sections, and enhancing α-particle transport physics using expanded experimental data.

Pay Range

$23.26 - $31.62 Hourly for the 705.1 level

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

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

Security Clearance

None required. However, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).

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. (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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