Research and Development Intern 2026

Job Description
How does it feel to work on a team driven to make a big impact? Empowering. We believe your career should always be growing. And that's exactly what it will do at BAE Systems. You'll hit the ground running with a company truly committed to your growth as you enjoy a special camaraderie on a team dedicated to protecting what really matters. Build your future at BAE Systems.
As an intern you will participate in our nationwide Internship & Co-Op Program, LEAP, where you will have the opportunity to Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. You will also have access to additional benefits such as, networking with BAE Systems employees and other students, participating in exciting real-world projects, joining exclusive informational sessions with senior leaders, and expanding mentorship opportunities and career development.
BAE Systems is one of the world's largest defense contractors and Fortune 500 Company, this intern will be working full time onsite at our Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, VA, for summer & fall 2026. This opportunity is full-time during the summer (May-August) and part time during the school year. Relocation will be not offered, and housing is not provided.
The Radford Army Ammunition Plant is looking for technical interns to support the Research and Development Group, reporting up through the Rocket Motor Development Team. In addition to production, Perform design, analysis, build, and testing of solid rocket motors for tactical weapon systems. The ideal candidate must be highly motivated, organized and methodical in thinking and actions.
As a Research & Development - Aerothermal Intern you will be assistin with:

• Grain design and sizing
• Nozzle design and analysis
• Mechanical system architecture design
• Motor component sizing
• Test data reduction
• Motor performance simulations
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis
• 3D Modeling and 2D Drafting
• Computer programming and scripting
• Script automation of performance calculations and data reduction

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Pursuing a Bachelor's in Engineering, Math, Physics, or other technical field
• Ability to follow directions in a safety critical environment
• Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
• Experience with Object Oriented Programming (OOP) i.e. C++, Java, MATLAB, etc.
• Ability to collaborate and work well in team environment.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering Student
• C++ & Python Programming Experience
• SolidWorks Experience
• Strong background in Aerodynamics and Thermodynamics
• Strong communication, customer focus skills, presentation and technical writing skills needed

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $42654 - $57573
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.