Participate as part of a flight or development engineering team, supporting optical design, analysis, hardware development, and testing. Maintain a predictable work schedule, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and build professional relationships. Work occurs primarily on-site in office, laboratory, production, cleanroom, and occasional outdoor environments. MATLAB, Python, and optical design software experience are preferred. The summary above was generated by AI 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:
Will be integrated into a flight or development program as part of a real engineering team. Expected to engage in either optical design/analysis activities, hands-on hardware development/test, or both. 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 five 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:
$26.50 - $35.75 Required Education, Experience, & Skills Must have completed your sophomore or junior year and be enrolled in a degree program for the fall of 2027. 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. Must possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. #LI-HC1 Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Analysis programming language (MATLAB, Python, etc) skills are highly desirable. Code V, Zemax, OSLO, ASAP, FRED, or some form of optical computer aided design experience is preferred.
Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range:
$49592 - $68993 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 a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support. Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters. 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. Read Full Description BAE Systems, Inc. Boulder, Colorado, USA Office Close 1600 Commerce St, Boulder, CO, United States, 80301 BAE Systems, Inc. Broomfield, Colorado, USA Office BAE Systems, Inc. Space & Mission Systems headquarters Office Close Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems. Similar Jobs at BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems, Inc. Optical Engineering Intern, Summer 2027 Yesterday Hybrid Boulder, CO, USA 27-36 Hourly Internship 27-36 Hourly Internship Aerospace
- Hardware
- Information Technology
- Security
- Software
- Cybersecurity
- Defense Optical Engineering Intern supporting flight or development programs through optical design, analysis, hardware development, and testing.
The role involves working with cross-functional engineering teams in office, laboratory, production, cleanroom, and potentially outdoor environments. Interns will maintain effective workplace relationships and follow a regular on-site schedule five days per week. MATLAB, Python, and optical computer-aided design software experience are preferred.
Top Skills:
Asap Code V Fred Matlab Oslo Python Zemax BAE Systems, Inc. Optical Engineering Intern, Summer 2027 Yesterday Hybrid Broomfield, CO, USA 27-36 Hourly Internship 27-36 Hourly Internship Aerospace
- Hardware
- Information Technology
- Security
- Software
- Cybersecurity
- Defense Optical Engineering Intern supporting flight or development programs through optical design, analysis, hands-on hardware development, and testing.
The role involves collaboration with engineering teams, maintaining professional relationships, and working on-site in office, laboratory, production, cleanroom, or research environments. MATLAB, Python, and optical design software experience are preferred.
Top Skills:
Asap Code V Fred Matlab Optical Computer-Aided Design Oslo Python Zemax BAE Systems, Inc. Project Engineer Yesterday Hybrid Westminster, CO, USA 118K-201K Annually Senior level 118K-201K Annually Senior level Aerospace
- Hardware
- Information Technology
- Security
- Software
- Cybersecurity
- Defense Leads cross-functional teams delivering ground and space-based electrical harnesses from design through fabrication, testing, and integration.
Owns technical scope, cost, schedule, staffing, risk decisions, supplier and subcontractor management, and compliance with aerospace quality and reliability standards. Coordinates engineers and production teams while supporting NASA, NOAA, Department of War, and other aerospace customers. The role requires engineering experience, MS Project scheduling expertise, aerospace supplier management, and knowledge of flight-qualified, radiation-hardened harness programs.
Top Skills:
Aerospace Systems Electrical Harness Design Electrical Systems Mechanical Packaging Ms Project Radiation-Hardened Environments What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech Number of Tech Workers:
260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
Major Tech Employers:
Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
Key Industries:
Software , artificial intelligence , aerospace , e-commerce , fintech , healthtech
Funding Landscape:
$4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
Notable Investors:
Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures Research Centers and Universities:
Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute