FAQ Topic: INTERNSHIPS

A) Sandia Internship/Co-op 101
B) All About Compensation

A) SANDIA INTERNSHIP/CO-OP 101

What is a Sandia internship?
A Sandia internship provides an intern with work experience under the direction of a Sandia mentor. Internships vary, depending on the mentor and the type of work involved.

Most of our internships are in technical areas. However, we do have some internships in business areas, as well as some clerical positions. Sandia offers a traditional internship experience, as well as the opportunity to participate in a technical “institute.”

What is an institute?
Institutes are internships that are focused in technical research areas that support Sandia’s mission. Each institute is organized by one or more mentors who work with groups of interns in a specific discipline area on real-world, meaningful projects.

How do I sign up for a specific institute?
Click “apply” from the top of any page within our site and you will reach Step 1 of our application process. In Step 1 you will confirm that you meet Sandia’s internship requirements and create an Intern Profile (IP) that will help us match your background and interests with available Sandia/CA internships. From there you will migrate to Sandia’s central employment web site to finish the application process. Once we have your information, your profile will be routed to one of our project managers who will review your experience and forward your profile to mentors who may be a match for your interests and/or skills.

Are all intern applicants offered an internship position?
Because we have a limited number of internships available during each academic timeframe, we are not able to place all applicants. However, we will do our best to place those most closely qualified for the positions we have to offer.

What is the role of a Sandia mentor?
A mentor is a Sandia employee who supervises the work of an intern, providing guidance and acting as a role model.

Does Sandia offer a co-op program?
Yes, students who participate in a co-op take a semester/quarter off of school to work as an intern. Co-op interns must be a full-time student receiving college credit and meet all other internship requirements. It is the responsibility of the intern to make those arrangements with their college or university, but we will help if needed.

Are there professional development and social activities for interns?
Yes. Some professional development activities are planned during the workday for interns. These activities may include speakers, tours, and some lunchtime social events. In addition, the Intern Island section of our web site is available to interns to plan extracurricular social activities during lunchtime, or during evening and weekend hours. On Intern Island, you will find both a work calendar and a bulletin board where you can view examples of activities being offered.

How old must an intern be to participate in an internship?
16 years old.

When are internships offered?
Our internships are offered at the same time as most academic semesters/quarters.

For those who live within commuting distance, we offer internships that allow students to work year-round.

During the summer we have our largest influx of student interns.

When does a fall co-op at Sandia/CA begin and end?
The length of a co-op at Sandia generally begins the last week in August and ends the second week in December. You will need to determine exact beginning and ending dates with your school so that you receive the proper credit. Otherwise, please discuss your particular situation with your mentor to arrive at times that best suit both of your needs.

I am not a United States citizen. Can I participate in an internship or co-op?
No, at this time, only United States citizens can participate in our internship programs.

I am interested in an internship; however, my major is not in a technical field. Do I qualify?
Yes, we do have some internships in business areas.

I am a high school student. Can I participate in an internship?
Yes, we do have limited openings for local high school students (you must be 16 years old) in our CCD program, business areas, and a few miscellaneous areas.

Will Sandia make arrangements for my housing?
Sandia does not assume responsibility for arranging housing for interns. However, if you check our web site, you will see some options for housing assistance.

Will Sandia provide a health insurance plan?
Yes. Summer students enrolled in a post-secondary education program and who do not have medical coverage can enroll in a PPO Medical Plan that has no monthly premium—share costs. Year-round post secondary students who are not covered by another medical plan can select coverage from a choice of medical plan options.

Are interns considered as employees of the federal government or of Lockheed Martin?
Neither. Interns are considered employees of Sandia Corporation.

How many hours does an intern work?
Co-op and summer interns work a 40-hour week.

If you work with a mentor who participates in Sandia’s 9/80 flexible scheduling, you may opt for that schedule with your mentor’s permission. In that circumstance, you will work four 9-hour days, Monday through Thursday, each week. One Friday you will work 8 hours and the next Friday you will be off.

If you are a high school or undergraduate intern living in the area and working part-time while attending school, you may work up to 25 hours a week. Graduate students may work up to 30 hours a week. All part-time interns may work fulltime during official school breaks under the supervision of their mentor.

Is my college/university on Sandia’s college recruitment circuit?
Please check the college campus visits section of our web site, where we list all campus visits and recruiting events.

Is smoking allowed at Sandia?
No, smoking is not allowed anywhere on Sandia premises. Sandia is a smoke/tobacco free facility.

B) ALL ABOUT COMPENSATION

Are interns paid?
Yes, interns are paid a salary.

What is the typical compensation for interns at Sandia?
Anywhere from $10.50 – $34.90/hr (high school through all graduate levels) depending on the work you are performing and your accumulated school credits.

Interns are responsible for submitting their latest transcripts in order to receive appropriate pay increases. Pay increases are not retroactive if transcripts are submitted late.

College/University interns may receive pay increases at the following stages of their academic credit status:

• 1-11 units = Incoming Rates
• 12-30 units = Next Increase
• 31-60 units = Next Increase
• 61-90 units = Next Increase
• 91-120 units = Next Increase
• 121+ units = Next Increase
• BS/BA Grad, MS/MA Student = Next Increase
• MS/MA Grad, PhD Student = Next Increase
• PhD Student (completed courses/exams) = Next and Final Increase

Will Sandia pay travel expenses from my home to Sandia?
Yes. If you live more than 50 miles from Sandia you can be reimbursed for one round-trip airfare via the most direct route between your home or university and Sandia. If driving, reimbursement is for one round-trip on a per mile basis. Information will be provided in your offer package about Sandia’s travel guidelines. You must adhere to these guidelines in order to be reimbursed.

Are interns compensated for employee holidays?
Not at this time.