Systems Engineering Internship

Safran DSI Business Unit: Optronics

About Our Mission Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

Position Profile The Systems Engineering Intern will participate in requirements analysis, system level trades, integration activities, testing, and technical documentation. Interns work closely with engineers across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and manufacturing to gain a fundamental understanding of full system development while contributing to active programs.

Responsibilities

• Support system‑level requirements derivation and analysis based on program specifications.
• Participate in cross‑discipline engineering trades involving optics, mechanics, electronics, and software.
• Assist with system‑level design tasks for electro‑optical products.
• Support integration and validation of prototype and production systems, including data collection and debugging activities.
• Conduct functional and environmental testing with engineering supervision.
• Generate engineering documentation including test reports, requirements matrices, and presentations.
• Develop familiarity with Safran DSI engineering tools, procedures, and product development workflows.
• Assist in preparing content for programmatic documentation and customer reviews.
• Participate in vendor and manufacturability assessments and engage with quality and operations teams.
• Demonstrate hands‑on interest and contribute to prototype builds, system checks, and lab testing.
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

• Actively working toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in systems engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.
• Strong interest in system‑level engineering, integration, and technology development.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher recommended.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and analytical reasoning.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Exposure to system modeling, requirements tools, or engineering test equipment.
• Basic experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools.
• Experience working in an ITAR environment

Eeo Statement & Accessibility Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).