More than 1,500 interns work at Sandia campuses each year.
They may not be easy to differentiate from full-time colleagues because they’re right alongside them. They’re in the trenches working hands-on in laboratories, offices, testing facilities and fabrication shops supporting the Labs’ national security mission.
“You’re actually doing real work that’s contributing to Sandia’s mission as a whole,” intern Akili Carris said.
Akili, a University of New Mexico student, is a prime example of the talent that fills Sandia’s internship program and the success it helps spur.
Akili started as a summer intern before transitioning to a year-round position. While attending school full time and working at Sandia, Akili also plays baseball for UNM and was named 2025-2026 Mountain West Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year.
“This was my first experience in a truly professional atmosphere,” Akili said. “I came to Sandia just knowing that it’s a great place to work. You learn a lot on the job and contribute to what team members are doing.”
Akili hopes to secure a permanent job at Sandia after he graduates next spring.
Helping students develop their skills and prepare them for potential careers at Sandia are key goals of the internship program. “Our intern program is as large as some Sandia divisions,” student internship program manager Tally Lobato said. “Our program operations and requirements drive students towards high academic achievements with the intent to convert and hire.”
So far this year, Sandia has hired 147 interns into full-time positions across the Labs, with that number expected to rise.
Nick Fresquez hopes to be among them. He’s been an intern at Sandia for more than four years.
“I started as an undergraduate intern in my junior year and worked my way up to a graduate internship and am now in my postgraduate internship,” Nick said.
Nick’s journey was less traditional. While his focus was business, he found an opening as a clerical intern and jumped at the chance to apply.
“I had the background and understanding of the national labs because I grew up near Taos. Someone mentioned Sandia and what a great opportunity it was,” Nick said. “I applied for a clerical role and took a leap of faith.”
Nick didn’t stay in that role for long. Four months into his internship, he applied for a new position that was more challenging and got it, opening the door to more opportunities.
“I don’t think I would have seen these same opportunities somewhere else,” Nick said. “This has helped me tremendously. It’s really brought me out of my shell, helped me test myself as a business professional, test my leadership capabilities and my teamwork skills.”
Now working as an intern recruiter for Sandia, Nick also hopes to transition to a permanent position.
Rising through the ranks
For many Sandia employees, an internship is the first step toward a long-term career at the Labs. Former interns make up 20% of Sandia’s current workforce, including members of the leadership team.
“David Gibson is one example of the Sandia leaders who are previous interns. He’s now deputy Labs director — just, wow!” Tally said.
Tally also started her Sandia career as an intern 26 years ago. “It’s led to the most amazing opportunity to now lead our intern program, making a difference in the lives of our students,” Tally said.
Other former interns who have risen through the ranks to leadership roles include Associate Labs Directors Toby Townsend and Josh Parsons, and directors Lisa Ramirez, Lorenzo Gutierrez and Louis Griego.
“Interns really are the heart and lifeblood of a national laboratory,” Tally said. “It’s a pipeline for future talent, fresh perspective and innovation, workforce sustainability, supporting the mission, and creating community and engagement opportunities.”
Interns can be found working in organizations across the Labs in both New Mexico and California. Graduate students account for 60% of the intern population, while undergraduates make up the remaining 40%.
About 85% of Sandia’s interns are in research and development, or the technical side, of Sandia’s work, with the most common areas being mechanical, electrical, computer and aerospace engineering. Sandia also offers internship opportunities in business, clerical and laborer positions. There is also a future focus on quantum and artificial intelligence positions.
Beyond providing students with practical experience, the internship team said the program is a vital part of strengthening Sandia’s future workforce.
“I think the program creates value both operationally and strategically,” R&D science and engineering manager Andrew Steele said. A former Sandia intern himself, Andrew now hires and mentors students in the program. “The internship program helps with project execution today, and it also strengthens the future workforce and Sandia’s brand,” Andrew said.
Investing in New Mexico students
Another goal of the internship program is to invest in the future of New Mexico students. This year, Sandia hosted 525 students from in-state schools, representing 33% of the intern population.
Sandia’s partnerships with UNM and Central New Mexico Community College help connect local students with internships that develop their professional skills and provide a foundation for long-term careers.
“I think it is important to think of an internship as a long-form interview,” Andrew said. “It gives Sandia and the student a much better opportunity to evaluate technical ability, judgment, initiative, communication and team fit over time than a standard hiring process alone ever can.”
For students like Nick and Akili, those opportunities extend beyond traditional research and engineering roles.
“There are so many roles here that cover such a wide range of specialties, from business students to communications,” Akili said. “Just because you’re not an engineer or somebody in the STEM world does not mean there are no opportunities here at Sandia. It’s such a big place with a ton of different roles and opportunities.”
“This internship helped me see stages and what I can grow into,” Nick said. “I don’t think people in other organizations have this same opportunity. My perspective of Sandia was that they are looking for people for technical roles. I never expected myself to be here, but I am. An opportunity presented itself and it’s turned out to be an amazing opportunity, and I’m grateful for it.”