Intern, R&D Graduate Summer - Advanced RF Communications, Onsite
The Advanced RF Communications department is seeking a highly motivated RF engineering intern to participate in the research, development, troubleshooting, field testing, and delivery of advanced RF and communication systems. The systems we build are used in high impact, high consequence national security applications. This position's primary focus will be the development of custom RF electronic assemblies.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
Define requirements
Tune and tailor custom RF sub-assemblies
Conceptualize and implement custom RF hardware
Document design definitions, testing, and manufacturing processes
Develop and execute qualification/acceptance testing processes
Perform laboratory and field testing
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 the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) in an accredited related 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 maintain 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:
Major in Electrical Engineering or similar related technical field
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience with printed circuit board design and fabrication
Familiarity with general test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, DVM, logic analyzers) and RF test equipment (network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, signal generator)
The ability to troubleshoot and test basic electronic circuits
Mixed signal digital and analog hardware design including schematic capture and layout of high density printed wiring assemblies
Relevant experience and/or course work and interest in wireless communication systems
Experience with troubleshooting and tuning RF circuits (frequency mixers, low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, lumped element and distributed matching networks)
Experience using and administering software project management and configuration management tools
Experience with RF design and simulation software (ADS, Genesys, AWR, HFSS)
Ability to plan, coordinate, and document laboratory and field tests
Ability to work effectively on both small and large teams (two-to-eight members)
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 Advanced RF Communications department provides system analysis and design for a wide variety of radio frequency (RF) and microwave communications, geolocation, and radar missions with an emphasis on electromagnetic protection. The department missions include terrestrial, airborne, and space systems. Expertise within the department includes digital communications, waveform development, waveform detection, signal processing, and transceiver development. We actively work with our sponsors to understand their complete mission space, including development of new assets or exploitation of existing assets for novel capability or enhanced performance. We intimately partner with other departments within the Intelligent RF Communications business area and throughout Sandia to provide complete solutions to our sponsors.
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:
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 Q‑level security clearance and SCI access, both of which require US citizenship. SCI access may also require a polygraph examination. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain these levels of access 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.
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.
Affordable housing, reasonable cost of living
Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities
At Sandia, recruiters manually review resumes on each job posting instead of using a resume screening software program
By following the best practices outlined, this ensures that recruiters can accurately determine your qualifications for the position
