Critical Skills Recruiting Program: Earn a Degree and Launch a Career at Sandia

Why It Matters

The CSR program accelerates the development of a highly skilled workforce essential for national security R&D, reducing hiring friction and ensuring continuity in cutting‑edge research.

Key Takeaways

• Fully funded master’s degree plus stipend for graduate students.
• Guaranteed R&D placement at Sandia for graduates immediately.
• Participants work on AI, cybersecurity, aerospace, and energy projects.
• Program offers networking with alumni and nationwide peer cohort.
• Emphasis on mission-driven research solving national security challenges.

Summary

The Critical Skills Recruiting (CSR) program at Sandia National Laboratories pairs graduate education with immediate employment, offering participants a fully funded master’s degree, a living stipend, and a guaranteed R&D position upon graduation.

The initiative targets high‑need fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and energy. Participants receive hands‑on experience through summer internships, work on mission‑critical projects, and are integrated into multidisciplinary teams that span nuclear deterrence, transportation security, and satellite communications.

Students repeatedly cite the program’s “all‑inclusive” nature—no second job, day‑one hire status, and access to a national alumni network—as a confidence boost. One participant described the experience as “peace of mind” and highlighted the ability to focus solely on research and coursework.

By guaranteeing talent pipelines for critical skill sets, Sandia strengthens its capacity to address complex national security challenges while offering a replicable model for other research institutions seeking to attract and retain top engineers and scientists.

Original Description

The Critical Skills Recruiting Program supports students as they earn a fully funded Master of Science degree while gaining real-world experience through a full-time position at Sandia. Hear from participants about how this program jumpstarts careers, builds key skills and supports education every step of the way.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4uLZZ4U

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