Technical Intern – Payload Systems Engineering, Summer 2026

Internship & Co-Op Program

In this position, you will participate in BAE Systems' nationwide LEAP Internship & Co-op Program, where you will Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. The LEAP Program will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on impactful projects, engage in career development opportunities, and network with our business leaders and the other students in the program.

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 strong execution.

What You'll Do:

• Enable the advancement of knowledge in earth and planetary science, astrophysics, and national security.
• Under the general supervision of senior-level engineers, contribute to multi-disciplinary teams in detailed design, analysis, optimization, and testing of instrument system/subsystem performance and operation.
• Gather needs and input from stakeholders and translate them into system designs and instrument performance budgets.
• Opportunity to participate in the "BAE Intern Remote Sensing Team" (BIRST), working with other interns and BAE employees on an interdisciplinary concept-to-launch project experience, where you get to design, build, test, and launch a payload.
• Manage requirements over the program lifecycle – including requirement elicitation, architecture, definition, analysis, allocation, traceability, verification, and validation.
• Identify system/subsystem interfaces and work with technical experts to ensure proper documentation, maintenance, and flow of information.
• Understand and support system architecture trades concerning instrument performance.
• Deliver presentations to internal/external customers in both informal and formal settings.
• 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 three or more 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: $26.00 - $35.00

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

• Must have completed your sophomore or junior year and be enrolled in a degree program for the fall of 2026. 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.
• Majoring in Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork are a must.
• Experience with Microsoft Office tools.
• A desire to learn - our culture fosters intellectual curiosity in a highly collaborative environment.

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $48620 - $67640 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 Space & Mission Systems 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.