2026 Software Engineering Intern - San Diego CA

Software Engineer Internship

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you'll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you'll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you've done. Join us and launch your career. We'll support you with training, employee resource groups, and our shared vision of global security.

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Software Engineer for an internship opportunity. This position will be located at our Mission Systems Sector in San Diego, CA.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's NIC manufacturing operations, and will support production of Communication, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) devices.

Basic Qualifications

A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

• Be a student who is enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university and will be enrolled full time in Fall 2026.
• Be majoring in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Electrical EngineeringBe available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2026.
• Be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).
• The ability to obtain Special Access Program within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
• Effective in verbal and written communication.
• Completed basic course(s) in a computer programming language (i.e. C++, Python, Java, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher.
• Higher level Python programming skills.
• Exposure to embedded systems such as FPGAs, RaspberryPI, embedded DSP or similar embedded devices.
• Exposure to Linux tools and environments, bash, cmake, ssh.
• Basic understanding of network protocols, TCP/IP, UDP, ARP.
• Knowledge of or exposure to CI/CD pipelines, Git / GitHub, Jira, test benches like PyTest, Jenkins, etc.
• Leadership or mentorship roles (e.g., teaching assistant, club officer) is a plus.
• Interest in aerospace/defense mission systems.

At Northrop Grumman, our internship pay rates are standardized and take into account three main factors: the anticipated graduation date of the individual, the cost of labor of the geographic location, and whether the internship is considered technical or administrative.

Intern Pay Range:

Bachelors: $25.75 to $32.75

Masters: $37.25 to 40.00

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.