Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – VIRGINIA - 2027 Engineering Summer Internship
General Dynamics Electric Boat provides an unparalleled learning experience for college students, offering practical exposure in the defense industry alongside expert engineers, shaping the future of submarine innovation.
Engineers at Electric Boat work collaboratively across departments and with our customer to develop innovative solutions for the United States Navy’s nuclear submarines. As an Intern, you'll be exposed to various engineering activities with the support of our senior staff. This program grants our trainees the opportunity to develop valuable skills and dive into cutting-edge projects such as leading the Columbia Class design and enhancing Virginia Class submarines. Every intern will be exposed to a wealth of knowledge in order to excel in the engineering domain.
This program requires a minimum commitment of 8 weeks during the Summer 2027 Season.
Participation in this program requires medical screening, passing a drug test, and potential DOD Investigation
This is not a remote opportunity.
All applicants have the potential to be placed at any of the following locations: Groton CT or New London CT
Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – Summer Internship
Job Description:
The Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems Directorate aims to be the innovative leader in the propulsion plant and ship system designs. We continuously improve both products and processes to produce designs that meet or exceed our customer’s needs. Each member of our team participates fully in the drawing development process to produce the highest quality design products possible.
The Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems Directorate is responsible for the engineering and design on multiple classes of submarines, from VIRGINIA class technology insertions, to allied nations’ submarine programs, and future submarine platforms. This directorate also provides fleet support to commissioned submarines. Our engineers and designers develop and analyze all fluid systems on submarines, both in the propulsion plant and on the rest of the submarine. Additionally, our Centers of Excellence have unparalleled analysis capabilities in the areas of acoustics, pipe stress, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and radiation analysis and shielding.
Propulsion Plant and Ship System Summer Interns may be responsible for the following tasks:
- Performing calculations on fluid systems, structures, and components
- Ensuring that system requirements and specifications are being met by our designs
- Engaging with the Design workforce, Construction Trades, and NAVY representatives to implement new designs or resolve design and construction issues
- Working in a team environment with multiple stakeholders to develop new system concepts and arrangements
- Evaluating new concepts and making engineering recommendations
- Evaluating material conditions or design issues onboard a submarine under construction or on a commissioned submarine
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received, our current process does not involve interviews. Rest assured that even though you will not be contacted for an interview, your time and effort are greatly appreciated. Each application is diligently reviewed for consideration. Thank you for your understanding and interest!
QualificationsTo be qualified for this position:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- US citizenship is required.
- Must be able to successfully pass a medically supervised drug screen and background check.
- Must be enrolled full-time at a college or university
- At minimum students must have completed their Freshman year prior to the start of the internship.
- Must be available to work 40 hours per week for a minimum eight (8) consecutive weeks between May 2027 to September 2027.
- Selected candidates will be responsible for establishing housing and reliable transportation for the duration of their intern assignment.
- Pursuing a Bachelor or Masters of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Acoustic Engineering
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to effectively work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to learn new skills and apply them
- Ability to solve problems in a constructive manner
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Proficient with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Office)
Skills Required
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must successfully pass a medically supervised drug screen.
- Must successfully pass a background check.
- Must be enrolled full-time at a college or university.
- Must have completed at least freshman year before the internship begins.
- Must work 40 hours per week for at least eight consecutive weeks between May and September 2027.
- Must pursue a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Ocean, Chemical, Civil, Nuclear, or Acoustic Engineering.
- Must establish housing for the internship assignment.
- Must have reliable transportation for the internship assignment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to learn and apply new skills.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
What We Do
General Dynamics Electric Boat designs, constructs, and provides lifecycle support for submarines serving the U.S. Navy. Established in 1899, the company has a longstanding role in submarine design and construction. Its mission combines engineering, shipbuilding, and long-term support capabilities to deliver and sustain undersea vessels throughout their operational lifecycles in support of the U.S. Navy and national defense programs.
