Payload Control System - Software/Systems Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Basic Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of engineering technology. Engineering Interns must be enrolled in an accredited degree program in Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other related scientific or technical discipline with a preference for a standing of a sophomore or higher.

Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

Join our team to help build the software that controls and monitors mission-critical payload systems. As an intern, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers on full-stack solutions, from user-facing tools to the services and systems behind them. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute throughout the product lifecycle, including design, development, integration, and testing.

What you’ll experience

• Work on real software and systems challenges that support reliable payload operations.
• Contribute to full-stack applications, including user interfaces, backend services, data flows, and system integrations.
• Collaborate with software, systems, hardware, and test engineers in a hands-on engineering environment.
• Help design, build, test, and improve features from early concepts through deployment.
• Learn how mission-critical systems are developed with a focus on reliability, safety, and quality.

What you bring to the table

• You are pursuing a degree in computer science, software engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language, such as Python, C++, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, or similar.
• An interest in building and troubleshooting software that interacts with complex systems.
• A thoughtful, collaborative approach to solving problems and communicating your ideas.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn in a fast-moving technical environment.

What sets you apart

• Experience through coursework, projects, clubs, or internships building web applications, APIs, embedded software, or automated test tools.
• Familiarity with full-stack development tools, version control, Linux, cloud services, databases, or CI/CD practices.
• Interest in systems engineering, controls, robotics, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries.
• Experience debugging hardware-software integrations or working with sensors, devices, or real-time data.
• A passion for taking ownership of meaningful technical challenges and seeing solutions through to completion.

This position is on site at our facility in Manassas, VA.

Salary Note

Combined Salary Range

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans