Systems Integration Engineer Internships
Systems integration engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience connecting hardware, software, and communication systems, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Roles in Manufacturing, Construction & Real Estate, and Banking & Financial Services are among the fastest-growing, with Tesla, CRB, and Formlabs among the employers posting roles now.
Find InternshipsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Systems Integration Engineer Internships











The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
Job Description
The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.
As part of the System Realization Subdivision (SRS), the Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) provides expertise in systems integration, technology insertion, and systems engineering applied to test campaign management. SITO is the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) source of expertise in Systems Integration - including technology insertion, system engineering, acquisition, and pre-acquisition activities. SITO is responsible for: (1) developing strategies related to system testing capabilities, (2) supporting system test activities for critical assets, and (3) integrating those capabilities into the larger enterprise. This position entails supporting programs executed in multiple regions and intelligence disciplines, including but not limited to satellite programs and ground systems. As a member of this department, you will be supporting the technical and programmatic test and integration activities for satellite, launch vehicle, and associated ground systems across many customers (i.e., U.S. Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers).
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Work in a team to lead systems engineering and integration knowledge in defining and developing a mission, organizational, physical, functional, signal, hardware/software, and operational interfaces. Help with high-level and detailed test planning, test architecture, test design, test execution, test and data evaluation, anomaly and deficiency, resolution, and residual risk assessment for operationally realistic and system performance testing
- Work in a team to lead and support space constellation or architecture, space vehicle, ground, or user equipment design studies; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts. Provide direct integration support to programs in all phases of the acquisition life cycle through Launch and Initialization and Operations.
- Assisting with development, maintenance, and improvement of design tools and models used during constellation/architecture Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), spacecraft design, space ground segment, or user equipment, and analysis activities. Also assist with the requirements for engineering models, simulations, test beds, and special test equipment for all organizations involved with system testing
- Work in a team environment to apply systems engineering expertise on requirements analysis, concept/technology development, architecture analysis, risk assessments, and test & evaluation for space (or other) systems
- Conduct systems, and systems of systems analysis and trade studies utilizing MBSE. Capture system requirements traceability within the system architecture model. Apply MBSE methodology to develop system architectural views using Systems Modeling Language (e.g., SysML) Collaborating with and learning from staff, program office personnel, as well as other members of Aerospace’s Engineering Technology Group, including the large cohort of Aerospace interns
What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Must work well in a team environment
- Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and balance projects with conflicting time demands
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program as a Master’s Degree student or PhD student in Systems Engineering, Information Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering (Cybersecurity), Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or better on 4.0 scale (for both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees)
- Knowledge of and/or relevant coursework involving complex system design, development, or integration, optimizing complex processes and systems, spacecraft subsystems, system engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or other related topics
- Proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the United States government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance Transcripts required
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have:
- Active U.S. security clearance
- Experience working in integrated (multi-disciplinary/inter-disciplinary) teams in a senior design (or thesis) project, capstone (design) project, previous internship, cooperative education, or industry expertise in systems engineering, system integration, and system testing
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler), MBSE, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Digital Engineering, Mission Engineering, and programming languages, including one or more of the following: SysML, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, or similar
- Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), other MBSE software tools, simulation and analysis tools (i.e., digital twins, digital engineering, or other virtual representations of objects or systems that span their lifecycle), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), and programming languages, including one or more of the following: SysML, Cameo, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, or similar
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$32.00 - $38.00 Pay Basis: HourlyLeadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .
Systems Integration Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Construction & Real Estate
- Banking & Financial Services
Tips for Your Systems Integration Engineer Internship Search
Apply in the fall for summer roles
Large employers in defense, aerospace, and tech recruit summer systems integration engineer interns the preceding fall, with some deadlines as early as October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to start dates. Starting your search early for structured programs, and staying active year-round for the rest, keeps you ahead of most applicants.
Build a documented project portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams evaluating systems integration engineer interns want evidence you can connect real components, not just a list of coursework. Document two or three projects with the tools, protocols, and environments you used, linked code repositories, integration diagrams, or technical write-ups give recruiters something concrete to assess when your work history is limited.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Professors and career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice your technical screen out loud before you apply
Systems integration engineer intern screens typically involve a technical conversation covering system architecture, interface protocols, or troubleshooting scenarios rather than abstract coding puzzles. Practice explaining your reasoning out loud, not just arriving at an answer, interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as the final result, so narrating your process is part of the performance.
Target rotational and university cohort programs early
Large employers in defense, aerospace, and industrial automation run structured intern cohorts designed to train candidates new to systems integration work. Rotational programs that move you across subsystem teams are particularly common in these industries. These programs recruit early and fill fast, so identify the ones aligned with your school year and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 100% of the systems integration engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to, on-site, hybrid, or remote, before you start reviewing postings. Filtering by location and work type upfront means you spend your time on roles you can actually take, not sorting through positions that don't fit your situation.
Systems Integration Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a systems integration engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. Build a portfolio that documents two or three integration projects with the tools and protocols used, linking to code repositories or technical write-ups so recruiters have something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a systems integration engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for systems integration engineer interns is consistent performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and how early you signal interest before the return-offer window closes. Treat the internship as an extended interview and do excellent work, but keep applying to full-time roles in parallel rather than counting on conversion.
When should I apply for systems integration engineer internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, defense contractors, aerospace firms, and major tech companies, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often with deadlines in October or November. Smaller companies and co-op programs post openings much closer to start dates, so systems integration engineer internship listings appear year-round. Check postings regularly rather than waiting for a single seasonal push.
Are systems integration engineer internships paid?
Most professional systems integration engineer internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show the pay range where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid internships exist but are uncommon in technical engineering fields, and the listings here reflect what employers have posted.
What should a systems integration engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that show you can connect systems components, name the tools, protocols, and environments you used, and link to code repositories, integration diagrams, or technical write-ups where the work is visible. Add relevant coursework in systems engineering, embedded systems, or networking. Keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote systems integration engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the systems integration engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from across the country, so apply early once you decide remote works for your situation. Filter by work type when you search so you're only reviewing roles you can actually take.
What is a rotational systems integration engineer internship?
Rotational internship programs place you on two or more teams over a single summer or semester, exposing you to different subsystems, mechanical, software, network, or test engineering, depending on the employer. They're common at large defense, aerospace, and industrial automation companies, designed specifically for candidates new to the field. These programs recruit early and are competitive, so identify the ones that fit your background and apply in the first wave.
Can international students get systems integration engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
See All 16 Systems Integration Engineer Internship Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Internships