The program begins with two weeks of "boot camp". Small teams of interns build, configure, test, and operate an HPC compute cluster starting from scratch, turning a head of equipment, cables, and electricity into a working mini-supercomputer that can run real HPC applications.
Next, the project phase begins. Teams of interns work under the guidance of HPC Division staff mentors on applied research and development projects that address real challenges currently faced by the division. Some projects use the mini-supercomputers built during boot camp, and others use existing LANL resources. These projects regularly influence the division as well as the field of high-performance computing.
Finally, teams present their accomplishments as a poster and technical talk to Laboratory management, staff, and fellow interns in an end-of-summer celebration of intern work.
Professional Development
In addition to the technical portion of the program, interns also participate in fast-paced, focused professional development work, including:
- Intense mentoring
- Teamwork and professional collaboration
- Resume writing and evaluation
- Technical poster/presentation design and public speaking
- Technical seminars on current HPC topics. Past seminars include AI, high-speed networking, Linux, containers, parallel filesystems, facilities, and more.
- Science lectures given by staff from across the Laboratory, from ocean modeling to AI.
- Opportunities to sign up for tours of our world-class facilities, including the particle accelerator, million-core supercomputer, and a demo of the Boston Dynamic robot dogs.
- Brownbag opportunities to have face-to-face time with our managers and staff.
How to Apply
Eligibility
The program is targeted to rising juniors or seniors, master’s students, and recent graduates with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Very highly qualified rising sophomores have been successful in the past, as well as occasional master’s graduates and Ph.D. students, who can make a good case that they need hands-on practical training, rather than a research internship. Computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related experience are desirable, but all majors are eligible. We consider talent, experience, potential and interest in High Performance Computing among other things.
Deadlines
Applications Due First Tuesday in January
We strongly encourage candidates to apply early, as the program is highly competitive and may fill before the regular deadline.
Minimum requirements
Interns must meet the following minimum requirements. If you are unsure whether you meet them, please ask us! We don’t want to miss someone because they meet requirements in a way we did not anticipate.
- Computer science, computer engineering, IT, or related experience/training.
- Intermediate understanding of the Linux OS. For example, this might mean you have basic understanding of how an operating system works, some experience using Linux, and some knowledge of how Linux differs from desktop (e.g., Mac, Window) or phone OSes (Android, iOS).
- Intermediate command line skills. You should have basic knowledge of the terminal using a shell such as tcsh or Bash. This doesn’t necessarily have to be on Linux (Macs also have a nice command line).
- Scripting or programming experience of some kind.
- Collegial, personable, plays well with others; the program is a team sport. Please note this does not mean you have to be “normal”; neurodiversity is encouraged.
- Well-rounded and curious.
- Can deal with reasonable deadlines. It’s a fast-paced program, but not high pressure.
- Meets Laboratory undergraduate or graduate student program requirements, as applicable.
Desired skills
In addition to the above, we’re looking for interns that also have some of the following skills. Note that few interns have all of them.
- Strong communication skills (written and/or oral).
- Interesting experience with Linux, AI, hardware, storage, networking, security, filesystems, etc.
- HPC experience, whether sysadmin or user.
- C or systems programming experience.
- Interesting novel perspectives. Can you expand our horizons?
Application procedure
To apply, please send the following to super@lanl.gov:
- current resume
- unofficial transcript, including GPA
- cover letter describing:
- your professional interests, experience, and goals
- why you are interested in the Supercomputer Institute
- how you meet the minimum and desired skills above
- what you hope to contribute to our team environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Salaries are based on your seniority. Please see the HPC intern page for the pay schedule. Note that we offer significantly higher pay than the standard LANL pay schedule.
No, this is hands-on technical training.
While the projects address new and interesting real challenges currently faced by the division, they tend to be very applied engineering and/or R&D projects, not scientific research.
Interns typically work 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except for LANL holidays. While most of the Laboratory offers schedule flexibility, this program does not, due to the program’s curriculum- and team-based nature.
Interns hired for this program are hourly employees paid only for time at work. This policy is set by the Laboratory Student Programs Office.
We realize that life happens, so time off for unexpected events (e.g., illness, family emergencies) will be granted. Interns who are feeling unwell are strongly encouraged to stay home to recuperate and not spread their illness to colleagues. We realize that steady pay is important for most interns and will make accommodations to make up hours as much as we can within policy limits.
Discretionary time off (e.g., for sightseeing) is strongly discouraged due to the program’s curriculum- and team-based nature. Generally speaking, one day off for these purposes will be considered and must be approved by the program lead as well as your teammates. Northern New Mexico is a wonderful place to visit, but please schedule your vacations on Laboratory holidays or before or after the program.
Lab holidays relevant to the program are Memorial Day and Independence Day.
No. For the reasons outlined above, interns must report to work on the first day of the program and terminate the last day.
Interns are reimbursed for travel to and from Los Alamos. For details, see the Student Travel Guidelines.
We do not provide a housing stipend.
Matching interns to projects is a complex process that tries to balance:
- Intern preferences.
- Intern skill development and professional growth.
- Effectiveness on projects.
- Building teams that will work well together.
We will solicit your project preferences in the spring. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to your preferred project(s). Most interns report a great experience regardless of whether they worked on the project they expected to prefer at the beginning of the program.
This internship does not require a security clearance.
However, we do want interns who are eligible for a Q clearance, so they can work towards a regular position in HPC Division, which does require a clearance. To obtain a Q clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
Selected interns will undergo a federal background check, but not the lengthy investigation needed for a clearance.
Past Interns Say...
We consistently receive positive feedback from interns about the program. Recent intern quotations include:
- “[Instructor] was an outstanding instructor and I could not have expected anything better.”
- “It was an amazing experience, and I wish it wasn’t over. I think it’s enough to say that I came in kind of regretting accepting since I really wanted to go into industry, and came out considering a career working here at LANL.”
- “My expectations for this boot camp were blown away and I have already recommended this boot camp / internship to people who had never even considered LANL prior ....”
- “[Instructor was] super smart and extremely positive. He made me feel comfortable asking questions, and he was always trying to make sure that I was succeeding.”
- “[T]he connections I made this summer will be beneficial moving forward, both career-wise and as lasting friendships once the internship is over.”
- “It was a great experience. I came hoping to learn about a new facet of computer science and I did just that. Being part of the amazing community of Los Alamos and networking with people at LANL has made me consider coming back to the Lab.”
- “[Mentor] was an excellent source of information and took time out of his day to explain things to me and give our project additional direction and advice.”
- “Do as much as you can here, both in and outside of work. The people here are awesome, so network as much as you can, and the area might be even cooler so check it out at every opportunity.”
