Payload Control System - Software/Systems Engineering Intern (Summer 2027) at General Dynamics Mission Systems in Virginia
- Company: General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Location: Virginia
- Posted: Sep 17, 2026
- Type: Internship
Overview
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 throughou…
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Skills
Required
- Collaborative
- Thoughtful
- Curiosity
- Initiative
- Willingness to learn
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Python
- C++
- Java
- JavaScript/TypeScript
- Full-stack development tools