Welcome to the Military Academic Collaboration (MAC) Program at Sandia National Laboratories
Sandia National Laboratories is a world-class, multidisciplinary research and engineering institution dedicated to solving the nation’s most complex national security challenges. Established during America’s World War II effort to develop the first atomic bombs, Sandia has evolved into a hub of innovation, addressing threats to our nation’s safety, security, and prosperity. With a workforce of nearly 17,000 experts and an annual budget of over $5 billion, Sandia is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and development in areas such as nuclear deterrence, global security, energy resilience, advanced science, and technology.
The MAC Program offers cadets and midshipmen a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside Sandia’s world-renowned scientists and engineers. Participants will explore disciplines and technologies critical to national security, including engineering, cybersecurity, bioscience, chemistry, materials science, computational modeling, energy systems, physics, and astrophysics. Through this program, you will gain hands-on experience, contribute to impactful projects, and collaborate with leaders in innovation—all while advancing your academic and professional growth.
Sandia’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation ensures that your time in the MAC Program will be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re developing solutions to emerging threats, advancing scientific discovery, or exploring new technologies, your contributions will help shape the future of national security.
We invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor and become part of Sandia’s legacy of innovation and service to the nation.
Unlock Your Potential at Sandia National Laboratories!
Are you a qualified cadet or midshipman eager to dive deeper into critical mission areas? Sandia National Laboratories invites you to explore our exciting project opportunities across diverse disciplines and skill sets! Whether you’re passionate about engineering, science, or technology, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
Applications for each summer session open in the fall and run through the spring of the following year. Selected candidates join Sandia for the summer, where they immerse themselves in research and development projects that align with their interests and expertise.
Join us at our state-of-the-art facilities in New Mexico and California, where innovation meets real-world challenges.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must currently hold a DoD Secret (or higher) clearance
- Must be available for a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks
- Must be enrolled at one of the following:
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- U.S. Military Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
Ideal Candidates
We’re looking for ambitious individuals entering their 3rd or 4th year who are ready to take on meaningful projects and contribute to our mission.
Intership
As a MAC intern, you will engage in meaningful research within your assigned area, contribute to the design and execution of experiments, collect and analyze data, document findings, present results, and enrich your experience by attending lectures, tours, and workshops.
Compensation
MAC interns are paid through NNSA by their home academy and the DTRA Office. Your academy will cover your per diem, based on government allowances, as well as travel and local lodging.
“The mission of all military service academies — providing a challenging undergraduate education that prepares future leaders by emphasizing discipline, duty, honor, country and teamwork — fits perfectly with Sandia’s creed to provide exceptional service to the nation… every MAC participant, by virtue of their training, understands the importance of service to a larger cause and how Sandia can fit into that dynamic future.”
Lance Hansen, manager of Sandia’s Exploratory Systems Technologies team and a 1988 West Point graduate who participated in a predecessor to the MAC program.
Ready to take the next step? Join us at Sandia and be part of something bigger!
Contact Us
For more information on MAC internships at Sandia National Labs, contact:
Brenda Rubidoux (MAC-Program@sandia.gov)