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Intern - FPD Research Support

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Menlo Park, CAInternshipSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
No compensation found
Location
Menlo Park, CA
Role Type
Internship
Schedule
Internship
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive focuses on jobs in the United States, including remote roles you can work from there.

Job overview

The Fundamental Physics Directorate at SLAC explores fundamental forces and particles through experiments in high-energy physics, cosmology, and quantum science. The intern supports physicists in designing, solid modeling, analyzing, and optimizing mechanical components for experimental systems, including work on the XLZD project. The role seeks an undergraduate currently enrolled or recently graduated, with mechanical engineering coursework and CAD and 3D-printing proficiency; knowledge of the LZ design is highly desirable.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Mechanical Design, nice to haveMechanical Analysis, nice to haveCAD, nice to have3D Printing, nice to haveIndependent Work, nice to haveTeamwork, nice to haveDeadline Management, nice to haveOrganization, nice to haveAttention to Detail, nice to haveOral Communication, nice to haveWritten Communication, nice to haveLZ Design, nice to have

Qualifications

Undergraduate Enrollment or Recent Graduation, nice to haveMechanical Engineering Coursework or Related Field, nice to haveMinimal Mechanical Design and Analysis Experience, nice to have

Full job description

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Fundamental Physics Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores the fundamental forces and particles that shape our universe. Through cutting-edge experiments in high-energy physics, cosmology, and quantum science, the directorate advances our understanding of dark matter and energy, neutrinos, and the early universe. Collaborating with global research institutions, SLAC leverages state-of-the-art accelerator technology, innovative detectors, and advanced computing to push the boundaries of discovery. We seek a non-degreed engineer to support physicist on designing, solid modeling, analyzing, and optimizing mechanical components for experimental systems. The XLZD project is in its pre-project development phase and is based in part of the heritage design from the currently operating LZ experiment. Thus, specific knowledge of the LZ design is highly desirable.

Example projects and responsibilities include (but are not limited) to the following:

  • Design and develop new Grid Ring Lifting System for 1.5m Loom and work with Senior Engineers and Physicists to develop alternative concepts and prototype testing ad for scaling the current 1.5m Grid to 3m Grid.

  • Prepare and review drawings, material lists,

  • requisitions, job orders, engineering change requests, and other documents associated with development,

  • fabrication, assembly, installations, and testing.

  • Develop specifications that meet the scientific community's requirements. This requires constant communication with scientists and physicists to ensure that optimal engineering and science requirements are achieved.

  • Responsible for applying the SLAC Environmental Safety and Health procedures to all tasks.

Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated.

  • Course work in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field).

  • Minimal work experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably working at a National Laboratory in astrophysics, high-energy physics, or underground experiments.

  • CAD and 3D-Printing proficiency

  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.

  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

  • Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, especially when interfacing with physicists, other engineers, and technicians.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.

How this job compares

Set against the 536 open Research Intern jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 14, 2026.

Pay
  • This postingNot listed
  • California median$118–157K/yr28 salary ranges
  • California median$38–85/hr77 hourly ranges
Openings
Olive Jobs lists 160 open Research Intern jobs in California and 536 across the US. 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in California
Experience
Research Intern postings that state a minimum ask for 2 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 1 to 2 years (21 postings).
Education
249 of the 536 open Research Intern jobs (46%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 14, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.

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