Systems Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc.; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Systems Engineering Intern in Alexandria, VA, to support acquisition and operations for Navy SSP programs. The internship offers part-time telework options and requires US citizenship with ability to obtain DoD clearance.

The role involves test design, data analysis, and applying broad SE skills across project lifecycle, risk management, and stakeholder coordination with SPA teams.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Ability to report to designated work location in Alexandria, VA, up to full time 5 days a week, based on customer needs.
• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Data Science, Operations Research or related field; must have at least one semester remaining at internship start.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to synthesize data and communicate clearly.
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to communicate to decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Support acquisition and sustainment efforts of the Transit Protection Program for SSP.
• Focus on test design and data analysis to translate technical information into decisions.
• Apply systems engineering skills across PM, requirements, lifecycle planning, V&V, risk and configuration management.
• Collaborate with Policy, Modeling & Simulation, and Safety teams within SPA.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering / Data Science / Operations Research

At least one semester remaining in school at internship start

Tools

Microsoft Office

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth,we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producingResults that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.

SPA has an immediate need for a Systems Engineering Intern to provide acquisition and operations support to Nuclear Weapon Security (NWS) capabilities for the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) office. The support would be provided from our company HQ in Alexandria, VA. The option to telework part-time is also available.

Timeline for intern selection:

• Applications can be submitted and will be reviewed until 14November 2026.
• Interviews will be ongoing and conclude by 19 December 2026.
• Offers/decisions will be extended by 26 December 2026.

Responsibilities

The Intern will fulfill tasks set out by a mentor in support of the acquisition and sustainment efforts of the Transit Protection Program which provides a fleet of security vessels that escort all Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) submarines. Tasking will focus on test design and data analysis to translate technical information into effective decision making. This support entails the application of a broad range of systems engineering skills to challenging problems, to include Project Management, Requirements Development, Program Life-Cycle Management Planning, Application of Systems Engineering “V”, Technical Writing, Stakeholder Coordination, Risk Analysis/Management, Configuration Management, Root-Cause Analysis, and Analysis of Alternatives. The intern will also gain exposure to other teams in SPA supporting NWS to include Policy, Modeling and Simulation, and Safety analyses.

A "day in the life" for this position will vary greatly but generally includes preparing customer products for SPA leadership review, coordinating with multiple customers via phone/e-mail, occasional local trips to customer locations, and potential trips out of the DC area to locations like Kings Bay, GA, and Bangor WA to support customer meetings or at-sea test events. It is expected that the amount of independence in this position will quickly grow as the employee becomes acclimated to our customer and product set. The intern will also complete a summer project, attend weekly SPA informational round-tables and working lunches with SPA leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Ability to report to designated work location in Alexandria, VA, up to full time 5 days a week, based on the needs of the customer.
• Working toward a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Data Science, Operations Research or other technical or programmatic field. Must have at least one remaining semester or quarter of school remaining at the beginning of the internship.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a ability to synthesize data and communicate clearly via written and verbal means.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to communicate to decision makers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proactive interest in learning new skills and engaging new challenges.
• Strong customer service skills, with interest in proactively anticipating and addressing client needs.
• MATLAB or similar programming or data analysis experience.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $23.00/Hr. - USD $33.00/Hr.