Robotics & Automation Summer School (RASS)

A project based internship focused on automation to solve Laboratory problems

May 25 through August 7

The Robotics & Automation Summer School (RASS) is an internship and student recruiting pipeline for top talent in the field of robotics and automation. Twelve students work in teams of three to develop rapid prototypes that solve critical, mission-relevant problems. Prototypes integrate multiple capabilities such as robotics, LabVIEW, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and mechanical and electrical design. 

Over the summer, RASS students visit various Laboratory facilities such as the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test facility, and the Strategic Computing Complex. Additionally, students attend lectures on topics in advanced automation, including robotic motion planning, PLC programming, advanced electrical concepts, and LabVIEW programming. Outside of technical development, professional development and networking are continuously emphasized throughout the summer.

RASS candidates are graduate or undergraduate students graduating within one year of the RASS program. At the completion of the internship, students conduct a project demonstration for key members of Laboratory leadership. During the summer, students attend a hiring event after which job offers are extended to students who are a good fit for open positions.

Information for Applications

The RASS 2026 summer internship will run from May 25 through August 7. Students on a quarter system will be allowed a later start and end date. 

The RASS job ad for summer 2026 will be posted September 2025 at lanl.jobs 

Applicants are required to submit:

• Resume
• One-page cover letter describing: 
• Your interest in the Robotics and Automation Summer School and multi-disciplinary autonomous/robotic systems development
• Your near term (1–3 year) academic and professional goals
• How you meet the desired qualifications
• Complete transcripts

The application and required documents must be submitted by January 10, 2026. Notification of acceptance will be sent out by February 5, 2026.

Student travel to the Laboratory will be reimbursed based on the point of origin.

Applicants may send any questions to rass@lanl.gov.

• RASS Frequently Asked Questions
• Student Programs Frequently Asked Questions

RASS Leadership

• Program Leader: Dr. Beth Boardman
• Deputy Program Leader: Matthew Hammond
• Technical Coordinator: Jessica Mendez
• Internship Experience Coordinator: Meredith Osborne

Sponsors

The Robotics & Automation Summer School is managed by the Automation, Robotics, and Controls group (E-3) in the Engineering Technology and Design division (E-Div). RASS is sponsored by programs across the Laboratory.

• Directed Stockpile Work Program Integration Office – FY23, FY24, FY25
• Advanced Recovery and Integrated Extraction System (ARIES) – FY24
• Weapons Research Services (WRS) – FY24 and FY25
• Associate Laboratory Directorate Weapons Engineering - FY25
• Associate Laboratory Directorate Weapons Production - FY25
• Engineering Technology Maturation – FY25
• Information Science and Technology Institute – FY24