Posted 3h ago

FAST Labs - Scientist/Engineer Intern (Summer 2026)

@ BAE Systems
Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States
$49k-$68k/yrOnsiteInternship, Full Time
Responsibilities:develop lasers, design experiments, analyze signals
Requirements Summary:Undergrad sophomore+ in science/engineering; physics/optics/materials focus; laser/photonics knowledge; programming (C/C++/Python); DoD security clearance eligibility; onsite, full-time summer.
Technical Tools Mentioned:LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, C++, Java, Python, Windows, Linux
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Job Description

Job Description

You don’t see it, but it’s there. Our employees work on the world’s most advanced electronics– from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F-35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you’ll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry’s most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too.

Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first – exemplified by our missions: “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®” and “We Innovate For Those Who Move The World™.”

Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with us.

We are seeking candidates for a full-time Summer 2026 internships to join our Sensor Technologies scientist/engineering team here at BAE Systems, Inc. Candidates would work side-by-side with experienced scientists and senior engineering staff.

Multiple opportunities are available in one of the three following roles:
  1. Work in a multi-disciplinary team to support the high power laser development.  Research and work will focus on understanding laser energetics and development of customized laser configurations.
  2. Work on individual contributions to projects in emerging photonic technologies. These contributions will initially be design and experimental in nature. The candidate will perform smaller technical task level requirements and apply resources needed to complete the tasks. The candidate will also help execute on these tasks as an individual contributor supporting the design and execution of experiments.
  3. Designing, developing and testing algorithms for electro-optical and IR sensor signal processing solutions, which includes:
    1. Assisting in other engineering activities such as integration testing, algorithm & data analysis, software troubleshooting, and preparing documentation in accordance with established procedures.
    2. Utilizing either Windows PC or Linux based software development environment and either x86 or PowerPC target and test environment
Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time.

This internship will be located at BAE System's site in Merrimack, New Hampshire.  This is a paid internship and has a work schedule that includes every other Friday off.

State/Province

New Hampshire

Salary Max Point

67640

About BAE Systems Electronic 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. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

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.

Clearance Level – Must be able to obtain for position

Secret

Shift

1st Shift

City

Merrimack

Full Time / Part Time

Full-Time

Job Posting Title

FAST Labs - Scientist/Engineer Intern (Summer 2026)

Required Skills and Education

  • Typical experience for Laser research intern  – sophomore status or above in a technical degree program in science, engineering with preferred focus on physics, optics, materials, electro-optics, or similar.
    • Fundamental and working (preferred) knowledge of laser energetics and NLO processes
    • Experience with lasers assembly and configuration
    • Hands-on work on lasers understanding safety practices of working on high power/high energy lasers
    • Knowledge and proficiency on the use of tools for plumbing and electrical wiring
    • Table top laser experience
  • Typical experience for Photonics research intern – sophomore status or above in a technical degree program in engineering, with a desire to grow skills in photonics systems analysis and test.
    • Knowledge of design, modeling, characterization, and testing of either of the following:
    • Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
    • Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from PICs, network analyzers, laser drivers.
    • Study of photonics systems design, assembly, and configuration
    • Knowledge and proficiency of modeling techniques and tools for optics, photonics, PIC design information.
    • Experience with RF Photonics is highly desired
  • Typical experience for EO/IR intern: currently enrolled in an undergraduate program for Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering (EE), Optical Engineering (OE), Computer Science (CS), or a related field, and will complete your freshman year prior to summer 2024
    • Programming experience in at least one or more of the following languages: C, C++, Java, Python, MATLAB
    • Must be eligible for a US DoD security clearance
Internal/External

Preferred Skills and Education

  • For Laser Research Intern:
    • Experience working in the short wave IR and mid wave IR lasers
    • Proficient with LabVIEW and MATLAB
    • Modeling experience with solid state laser systems
  • For Photonics Research Intern - Demonstrated experience working with 1+ of the following:
    • Photonic Integrated Circuits
    • Software tools for design/analysis of PICs
    • Tools to analyze RF photonics for system design/simulation.
  • For EO/IR research intern:
    • Hands-on experience with lasers and optics
    • Object oriented design/development
    • Experience with digital signal or image processing
    • Experience with Windows and/or Linux Operating Systems
    • Experience using common software version control tools such as Git

Sector

Electronic Systems

Salary Min Point

48620

Travel Percentage

0%

U.S. Person Required

Yes

Job Category

Engineering & Technology

Career Level

Internship

Clearance Level – Must currently possess

None

Benefits Information

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Intern Benefits: 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.

Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).