Systems Engineering Intern - Summer 2027 (For SNC Summer 2026 Interns Only)

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Lone Tree (CO); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) plan

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation's ISR/AIS internship program invites motivated students to gain hands‑on experience in aerospace engineering and related disciplines. As a Technical Intern, you will contribute to real projects, collaborate with engineers, and develop practical skills in a dynamic defense environment.

Eligible candidates are sophomores to seniors pursuing Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields, with strong analytical abilities and proficiency in Office tools.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a university program pursuing a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Sophomore–Senior in college with at least 6 months until graduation after internship.
• Must have been an SNC summer 2026 intern.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Analytical

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

Engineering/CS degree

Tools

CAD

MATLAB

Microsoft Access

Visio

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.
• Must have been an SNC summer 2026 intern.
• 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.

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

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 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 .

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as d