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 Tactical Solutions Strategy & Capture (S&C) organization within BAE Systems’ Space & Mission Systems (SMS) business is seeking a highly motivated intern to support our Competitive Intelligence (CI) and position‑to‑win function. Tactical Solutions delivers assured communications and advanced sensing technologies across all domains, and the S&C team plays a key role in shaping opportunities, developing winning strategies, and guiding critical captures.
The ideal candidate is curious, detail‑oriented, and interested in defense acquisition, national security policy, competitive intelligence, or strategic planning. This internship provides hands‑on exposure to real pursuits, meaningful analysis, and direct engagement with experienced Strategy & Capture professionals.
The Tactical Solutions Strategic Business Unit delivers mission system solutions, from specialized antennas to electro-optical technologies, to the warfighter. Our systems enhance the performance of various military platforms, from aircraft and land vehicles to ships and satellites, and give warfighters the advantage they need to take action, identify targets and defend against evolving threats.
What You’ll Do:
- Conduct open‑source research and analysis to help the business understand competitor activities, customer requirements, technology developments, and defense budget trends.
- Contribute to the development of competitive landscapes, scorecards, qualitative models, and analytic products that inform major capture efforts and strategic investment decisions.
- 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: $23.25 – $30.75
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.
- Solid research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize open‑source information.
- Interest in defense acquisition processes, national security policy, or competitive intelligence.
- Ability to work with ambiguity and distill complex topics into clear insights.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Data Analytics, Business, Economics, Engineering, or related areas.
- Prior internship or experience supporting Congressional appropriations or authorization committees, member offices, or defense‑related legislative staff.
- Experience working with defense or national security policy organizations (think tanks, research centers, federal agencies, or federally funded R&D centers).
- Familiarity with DoD budget artifacts.
- Coursework or practical experience in competitive intelligence, defense acquisition, or market analysis.
- Experience conducting structured research using open‑source intelligence methods.
- Experience with data analysis or visualization tools (Excel, PowerBI, Tableau, or similar).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with data analysis tools.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $48360.000 – $63960.000
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.