Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – COLUMBIA - Summer Internship 2027

General Dynamics Electric Boat; New London (CT); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 38,573,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Electric Boat seeks Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems Summer Interns to support design-focused and waterfront engineering activities during submarine construction. Interns will assist with calculations, design validation, and collaboration across teams including Navy representatives, construction trades, and yard personnel.

Qualified students are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Ocean, Nuclear, Structural/Civil, or Electrical

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled full-time at a college or university.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.
• Must be able to pass a medical screen and background check.
• Available to work 40 hours per week for an 8+ week internship (May–Sept 2027).

Responsibilities

• Perform calculations on propulsion-fluid systems, structures, shielding, and other components.
• Ensure system requirements and specs are satisfied by designs.
• Collaborate with Design, Construction Trades, and Navy reps to implement designs or resolve issues.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams to address propulsion or ship-system problems.
• Provide deck-plate troubleshooting support and document non-conformances.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Learning agility

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor or Master in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Job description

The Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – COLUMBIA is an engineering and design organization that leads innovative development of propulsion plant systems, ship systems, structures, arrangements, and shielding for the COLUMBIA Class. The directorate continuously improves its products and processes to deliver high‑quality engineering solutions that meet or exceed customer needs, while providing on and off‑site support to the shipyard throughout submarine construction. Interns within this organization contribute to both design-focused and waterfront-focused engineering activities, supporting construction, technical troubleshooting, and fleet readiness.

This directorate is responsible for developing and analyzing propulsion plant fluid systems, structures, and arrangements, as well as delivering timely, accurate, construction‑support engineering products that increase shipyard productivity and prevent unnecessary work or rework. Engineers and designers also provide fleet support to commissioned COLUMBIA Class submarines and work directly with shipyard personnel, vendors, and Navy stakeholders to resolve technical issues across all construction and testing phases.

Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems Summer Interns

• Performing calculations on fluid systems, structures, shielding, and other engineered components


• Ensuring system requirements and specifications are satisfied by engineering designs


• Engaging with Design workforce, Construction Trades, and Navy representatives to implement new designs or resolve design and construction issues


• Working in multidisciplinary team environments to develop solutions to complex propulsion plant or ship system problems


• Evaluating material conditions or design issues aboard submarines under construction or in service


• Providing troubleshooting support on the deck‑plate and responding to emergent technical issues


• Investigating and documenting technical responses to non‑conformances and design changes


• Resolving vendor product issues and modifying technical manuals and publications


• Communicating with Navy customers through formal technical submittals


• Submitting test procedure modifications and supporting land‑based steaming activities


• Supporting major lifting and handling evolutions, module shipments, and other waterfront operations essential to submarine construction productivity

Qualifications

To be qualified for this position:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.


• US citizenship is required.


• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance with the Dept of Defense 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


• Available to work at all EB sites.


• 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, Structural/Civil Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

Skills

• 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)