Mechanical Engineer Intern - Summer 2027 (For SNC Summer 2026 Interns Only)

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

3 weeks paid time off

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is offering a summer internship for engineering and computer science students in Colorado. You will work on real technical projects, receive mentorship, and build hands-on skills in a dynamic aerospace environment.

The program emphasizes documentation, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration, with growth opportunities, mentoring, and workshops designed to develop technical and professional capabilities.

Qualifications

• Sophomore, junior, or senior in college/technical school with at least 6 months until graduation after internship.
• Enrolled in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio proficiency.
• Able to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and detail orientation.

Responsibilities

• Participate in actual technical projects and contribute to team objectives by completing assigned tasks.
• Receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals in your field.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, reports, and records as required.
• Assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting technical data to support engineering decisions.
• Attend planning meetings to understand project requirements, timelines, and team goals.

Skills

Analytical

Teamwork

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Visio

Education

Engineering or CS program

Tools

CAD

MATLAB

MS Access

Job description

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end‑to‑end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC‑led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next‑generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here. Come start your career with some of the brightest and most innovative minds in the country! As a Technical Intern, you will participate in a comprehensive summer internship program designed to provide hands‑on experience in a dynamic aerospace and defense environment. You will work alongside industry experts, contribute to real‑world projects, and develop valuable technical and professional skills. This internship offers a unique opportunity for growth through mentoring, cross‑functional workshops, and direct involvement in company projects.

Responsibilities

Participate in actual technical projects and contribute to team objectives by completing assigned tasks.

Receive guidance and mentorship from experienced industry professionals in your field.

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, reports, and records as required.

Assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting technical data to support engineering decisions.

Attend planning meetings to understand project requirements, timelines, and team goals.

Perform hands‑on technical work assignments to gain practical experience and build technical skills.

Work closely with team members, absorb and learn from their expertise, and apply that learning to ongoing projects.

Identify opportunities for process improvements and support the implementation of best practices.

Participate in workshops designed to provide a deeper understanding of the business and company culture.

Qualifications You Must Have

Must be a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in college or technical school, with at least 6 months until graduation after end of internship.

Currently enrolled in a university or college program pursuing a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Strong skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio.

Ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.

Strong organization skills and work ethic; detail oriented.

Qualifications We Prefer

Prior internship or work experience in a technical or engineering role.

Familiarity with the Aerospace and Defense industry.

Basic knowledge of engineering software tools (e.g., CAD, MATLAB).

Microsoft Access skills.

Pursuing a degree in engineering or a related discipline.

Essential Functions

Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods.

Proficiency with computers and office equipment.

Manual dexterity for handling tools and technical equipment.

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.

Ability to work in a laboratory or workshop environment, which may involve exposure to loud noise levels or hazardous conditions.

Ability to travel may be required.

Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.

Estimated Starting Salary Range

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $23.54 - $32.37.

Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.

The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC benefits

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Security Clearance

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants.

Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

"Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances."

About SNC

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation.

We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs.

If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state‑of‑the‑art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber.

As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non‑traditional contractors.

We are one of the only privately owned mid‑tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule.

It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow.

Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.

Job posting duration

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.