Technical Intern - Optics Engineering - Payload Assembly Integration and Test

Job Description
In this position, you will participate in BAE Systems' nationwide LEAP Internship & Co-op Program, where you will Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. The LEAP Program will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on impactful projects, engage in career development opportunities, and network with our business leaders and the other students in the program.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:

• Work in a fast-paced team environment assisting Test Engineers developing optical instruments and payloads.
• Assist in hands-on development and testing of payload support equipment and/or flight hardware, especially optical test sets.
• Develop procedures for use on support equipment and/or flight hardware.
• Assist in test design methodology.
• Assist in designing optical, ground support equipment.
• Support engineers and technicians around the topics of optical test sets and performance testing.
• Help assemble and analyze test data for compliance to requirements.
• Prepare final presentations on projects through a written paper and oral presentation.
• May work in related fields of test, production, systems, materials and processes, configuration, parts and reliability engineering.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
• May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
• May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Hourly Rate: $26.00 - $35.00
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Must have completed your sophomore or junior year and be enrolled in a degree program for the fall of 2026. We will also accept students enrolled in a graduate degree program.
• Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Pursuing a degree in Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related degree field.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office tools.
• Solid technical writing experience.
• Hands-on engineering and/or project/hobby experience.
• Experience using general test and measurement equipment.
• Must have laboratory experience in Optics Engineering areas of focus.

#LI-HC1
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Interest in optical alignment techniques of spaceflight test and instruments is desirable.
• Knowledge and test experience using software test automation applications and tools such as COSMOS is desirable.
• Experience in the design, development, and validation of optical test sets in cleanroom, laboratory, and/or production environments is desirable. A basic understanding of radiometric, spatial, and/or spectral test approaches is desirable.
• Experience in laboratory environment with hardware troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Some experience with engineering schematics, design tools, or CAD modeling preferred.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $48620 - $67640
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.