Mechanical Engineer Intern - Summer 2027 (For SNC Summer 2026 Interns Only) at Sierra Nevada Corporation

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.

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:

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.

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.