Space Systems - Mission Engineering Intern, Summer 2027

Job Description
In this position, you will participate in BAE Systems' Internship Program, where you will Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. The Program will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on impactful projects and engage in career development opportunities.
At BAE Systems, Systems Engineers work to ensure the technical success of the entire system throughout the entire product lifecycle - from the conception of tomorrow's cutting-edge technologies to proposal writing, detailed design, assembly and test, and finally launch and operations. Our Mission Engineering team doesn't just build components; we design the architectures that enable the most critical missions in the space, air, and ground domains. You won't be stuck in a silo-you will be integrated into a team of elite analysts, working on high-stakes projects that define the future of national security.
Are you a problem solver who looks at a complex system and wonders, "How does this actually work in the real world?"
The Systems Engineering department is looking for college undergraduates and graduate students who can accomplish various technical assignments and have the communication skills to interact with technical experts, government customers, and other commercial space companies. Our past interns have supported development of advanced star trackers, drafted NASA proposals for new missions, assessed the health and performance of on-orbit satellites, helped design next-generation spacecraft and their payloads, participated in the testing of flight hardware, and analyzed data to verify systems meet requirements.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and solid execution.
What You'll Do:

• Our department includes a variety of roles, each of which is responsible for different tasks. Interns will be assigned to specific roles based on a combination of their interests, skills, and program needs. Previous technical intern tasks include:
• Develop system and component models using MBSE methodology and tools (Cameo).
• Requirements definition and management using the DOORS software system.
• Mission, spacecraft, or instrument performance modeling and simulation.
• Risk assessment and analysis.
• System interface definition and analysis.
• Update system analyses and specifications.
• Assist with test setup, performance, and test data reduction.
• Design tooling and/or ground support equipment.
• Help assemble and analyze test data for compliance to requirements.
• Trend analysis of performance data.
• Develop procedures for use on support equipment and/or flight hardware.
• Assist in hands-on development and testing of support equipment and/or flight hardware.
• Assist in test design methodology.
• Prepare and give presentations to peers, management, and customers.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Hourly Rate: $24.25 - $32.50
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Must have completed your sophomore or junior year and be enrolled in a degree program for the fall of 2027. We will also accept students enrolled in a graduate degree program.
• Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• A high interest in learning.
• Proactiveness when approaching problems or unknown areas.
• A desire to understand how changes in one area impact everything else on the project.

#LI-IH1
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience working in any of the following areas is desired:
  • Electronic circuit design and fabrication.
  • Linux & Virtual Machines.
  • Radio Frequency devices.
  • Software defined radio.
  • Radar, sonar, or lidar.
  • Electro-Optics infrared.
  • Target Tracking.
  • Computer Vision.
  • Systems Engineering/Model Based Systems Engineering.
  • Automation and control systems.
  • Robotics.
  • Large Language Models.
  • Microcontrollers (for example: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, ESP32, Analog Devices, ARM, and others).
  • Unmanned vehicles, drones.
  • RF & laser communications.
  • Large Language Models.
  • I2C, SPI, or UART.
• Desirable coding experience:
  • Python / MicroPython / CircuitPython.
  • C/C++.
  • Bash.
  • Lua.
  • JavaScript.
  • GNU Radio.
  • Assembly.
  • Containerization (K8s, Docker).
  • Version Control (Git, GitLab, CI/CD).

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $46437 - $62721
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, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.