BAE Systems: Opportunities for High School Students Through Internships and STEM Programs

BAE Systems, a major international defense, aerospace, and security company, offers various opportunities for high school students interested in STEM fields. These include internships and outreach programs designed to provide hands-on experience, career exploration, and skill development. This article explores these opportunities in detail, highlighting the benefits and requirements for interested students.

Internship Opportunities at BAE Systems

BAE Systems provides a range of internship opportunities for students. These internships offer invaluable practical experience and exposure to the professional world.

High School Graduate Internships

BAE Systems is seeking high school graduates for full-time Summer 2026 internships to join their Electronic Systems Group in Southern NH. As a Software intern, you will join a team of engineers supporting software development opportunities that solve real world problems.

Responsibilities of Software Interns

Typical tasking includes elements from the following:

Designing, developing, and testing software solutions utilizing Agile methodologies and sound software engineering principles while conforming to existing code development strategies and processes.
Assisting in other software engineering activities such as integration testing, algorithm & data analysis, software troubleshooting, and preparing documentation in accordance with established procedures.
Utilizing a Windows PC or Linux based software development environment and either x86 or PowerPC target and test environment.

In addition to your technical assignment, 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 additional opportunities to engage in career development opportunities, and network with our business leaders and the other students in the program.

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This internship will be located onsite at one of our BAE System's facilities in southern New Hampshire including Nashua, Hudson, Manchester, and Merrimack.

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires US person status.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Must be a high school graduate prior to summer 2026 enrolled in an undergraduate program for CS (Computer Science), CE (Computer Engineering), or a related field.
Programming experience in at least one or more of the following languages: C, C++, Java, Python.
Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.)
Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to work independently
Must be eligible for a US DoD security clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Past/current participant in one of the BAE Outreach programs including FOCUS or FIRST Robotics.
Knowledge of Data Structures and Object-Oriented Design/Development
Knowledge of AGILE based development
Experience with Windows and/or Linux Operating Systems
Experience using common software version control tools such as Git
Security clearance (secret or higher)

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $35792 - $49809

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.

BAE Program Management Internship

The BAE Program Management Internship is available to students currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in business administration, project management, operations management, or a related field. To be considered for this opportunity, you should possess strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, and Microsoft Office skills. As an intern, you will assist in coordinating and executing program-related activities, including project planning, scheduling, and tracking. This is an excellent opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, develop practical skills, and build a strong foundation for a career in program management. This internship is offered in various locations.

Scholarship Program

BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems has established a scholarship program to assist high school seniors who live within 70 miles of a BAE systems facility who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Must be able to comply with BAE Systems’ security and employment requirements. The authorized distribution for new awards is $10,000. Applicants will be notified in July. Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. play a part in the selection.

Required Documents

A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted.
Copy of the first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040 used for the Financial Information section of the application.
NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately.

BAE Systems' STEM Outreach Programs

BAE Systems is committed to fostering interest and skills in STEM fields among high school students. Laurel Skiff, the company’s community, pre- and early-career outreach program lead, highlights four key STEM programs offered to high school students. These programs aim to provide hands-on experience, introduce potential career pathways, and build relationships between students and BAE Systems employees.

Women in Technology

This 16-week program is designed for female-identifying students in their junior or senior year of high school. The program runs from January through May and involves visits to multiple BAE facilities. Each week, the program is hosted at a different location, allowing participants to explore various programs within those buildings. Modules cover topics such as radio frequency technology. A key feature of the program is the "speed networking" roundtable, where students engage one-on-one with women at BAE Systems, fostering valuable relationships. The program is taught by BAE Systems employees, ensuring that students learn directly from industry professionals. The maximum number of participants is 24, and the application process includes questions about extracurricular activities, familiarity with STEM activities like VEX Robotics or FIRST Robotics, and an essay component. The essay helps the selection committee understand the student's interest in the program and how it aligns with their education and career goals. Women in Technology aims to create a supportive environment where young women can explore their interests in STEM, connect with female role models, and see potential career paths.

FOCUS

FOCUS is an 11-week co-ed program open to high school students from freshmen to seniors. The first five weeks involve lessons in different engineering disciplines taught by experienced BAE Systems engineers. Participants learn about various engineering fields. The second part of the program involves teamwork on a project to design, build, and code a robot. Participants work together to complete the robot. The program offers fall and winter sessions, with the winter session running from January to April.

STEM Talks

STEM Talks is a virtual program consisting of six weekly sessions, each lasting an hour and a half. Conducted over Zoom, BAE Systems employees deliver tech talks and discuss their careers. Topics range from the history of electronics to the daily life of a mechanical engineer. A hands-on activity is included in each session, using readily available materials. This virtual program is accessible to all students, regardless of their location.

Engineering Career Day

Engineering Career Day is a one-day program held at BAE Systems facilities. Partnering with local schools, the program invites students to tour the facilities, learn about the company, and engage in hands-on activities demonstrating engineering concepts. Students have lunch with BAE Systems leadership, providing an opportunity for informal interaction and career advice. The program aims to expose students to different aspects of engineering careers and the technology behind them. Engineering Career Day is typically run quarterly, accommodating around 30 students from grades nine through 12.

Benefits of Participating in BAE Systems Programs

Participating in BAE Systems' internships and STEM outreach programs offers numerous benefits for high school students:

Hands-on Experience: Internships and programs like Women in Technology and FOCUS provide practical, hands-on experience in STEM fields.
Career Exploration: These opportunities allow students to explore potential career paths in engineering, technology, and related fields.
Skill Development: Participants develop valuable technical and professional skills, including software development, robotics, teamwork, and communication.
Networking: Students have the chance to connect with industry professionals, build their networks, and gain insights into the professional world.
Mentorship: Programs like Women in Technology offer mentorship opportunities, where students can learn from and be inspired by women in STEM careers.
College and Career Preparation: Participation in these programs can enhance college applications and prepare students for future careers in STEM fields.

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