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Defense Contractor Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Defense Contractor Intern information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do defense contractor intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor intern in Tennessee is $15.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or assignments might a defense contractor intern work on during their internship?

As a Defense Contractor Intern, you may assist with a variety of projects such as supporting engineering design, conducting research and analysis, helping with testing and evaluation of defense systems, or preparing reports and documentation. Interns often work alongside experienced engineers, analysts, or project managers, gaining exposure to classified or cutting-edge technology in a structured environment. You might also participate in team meetings, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and contribute to the continuous improvement of products or processes. These experiences offer valuable insight into the defense industry and can be instrumental in launching a full-time career in this field.

What is a defense contractor intern?

A Defense Contractor Intern assists with projects supporting military and defense operations, often working for private companies that contract with government agencies. Interns may help with research, data analysis, engineering, logistics, or cybersecurity, depending on the organization. They gain hands-on experience while learning about government regulations, security clearances, and the defense industry's role in national security. This position provides valuable exposure to working with classified or sensitive information in a highly regulated environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the defense contractor intern position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor Intern, you need a solid background in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field, along with analytical and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, and sometimes security clearance or eligibility, is often required. Standout interns demonstrate strong teamwork, attention to detail, effective communication, and adaptability in fast-paced environments. These skills are essential to ensure technical accuracy, security compliance, and productive collaboration on high-stakes defense projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Intern jobs in Tennessee?

For Defense Contractor Intern jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Intern jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Intern jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Defense Contractor Intern jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Defense Contractor Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Intern job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,162 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Chemical Engineering Co-Op Student - Year Round with Security Clearance

BAE Systems

Kingsport, TN • On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description How does it feel to work on a team driven to make a big impact? Empowering. We believe your career should always be growing. And that's exactly what it will do at BAE Systems. You'll hit the ground running with a company truly committed to your growth as you enjoy a special camaraderie on a team dedicated to protecting what really matters. Build your future at BAE Systems. As a co-op you will participate in our nationwide Internship & Co-Op Program, LEAP, where you will have the opportunity to Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. You will also have access to additional benefits such as, networking with BAE Systems employees and other students, participating in exciting real world projects, joining exclusive informational sessions with senior leaders, and expanding mentorship opportunities and career development. BAE Systems, one of the world's leading defense contractors and a stable Fortune 500 Company, is hiring a Chemical Engineering Co-op Student for our chemical manufacturing facilities at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN. In this position, you will be supporting the Ordnance Systems (OSI) Business at our Kingsport, TN facility. This position will be full time (40 hours / week) onsite at our Kingsport facility beginning in September 2026 through August 2027. Relocation may be offered, but housing is not provided*. As a Chemical Engineering Co-op, you will: * Participate in a twelve-month assignment beginning September 2026 that will rotate within the facility through two different areas (Explosives Manufacturing, Acids Manufacturing, and Design / Project Engineering are options) * Work as part of the manufacturing team and receive projects during each semester designed to give increasing levels of responsibility and exposure to the facility * Getting exposure to a manufacturing environment, various engineering calculations, reading diagrams, interfacing with multi-disciplinary teams * Supporting manufacturing operations Required Education, Experience, & Skills * Must be a US Person due to the nature of our business * Currently enrolled or recently graduated in an undergraduate program seeking a degree in chemical engineering or related field * Completed at least 3 semesters of school * Must be available for one year of full-time employment * Basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of a relevant field of chemical engineering * Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written). * Ability to work independently and as part of a team * Experience with MS Office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, & PowerPoint Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * Completion of the first semester of junior or senior year at the time of start of co-op term * Experience with AFT Arrow * Background in Safety Applications Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $36540 - $49320 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 Platforms & Services BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too. 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.

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