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Internship Weapon Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The program delivers the design, integration, manufacture, and test of the guidance and control ... P rovide technical guidance and careerdevelopment support to junior engineers and interns. Program ...

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Internship Weapon Design information

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How much do internship weapon design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship weapon design in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a Weapon Design Internship?

As a Weapon Design Intern, you will typically assist with research, concept development, and technical drawings for new or existing weapon systems. Your daily work may involve using CAD software, performing materials analysis, and collaborating with experienced engineers to prototype designs. You'll also gain hands-on experience with testing procedures and documentation, as well as exposure to industry standards and safety protocols. Interns often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, allowing you to learn directly from professionals and contribute to real-world defense projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Weapon Design, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Weapon Design Internship, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and an understanding of materials science are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help interns excel. These skills ensure the safe, innovative, and collaborative development of complex weapon systems within strict technical and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Internship Weapon Design vs Weapon Design Engineer?

AspectInternship Weapon DesignWeapon Design Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of relevant engineering or design programsBachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, supervised settingsFull-time professional roles, advanced project responsibilities
Industry UsageUsed as a training and evaluation period for students or early-career individualsDesign, develop, and improve weapon systems in a professional capacity

Internship Weapon Design typically involves students or recent graduates gaining hands-on experience under supervision, focusing on learning and supporting projects. In contrast, a Weapon Design Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and developing weapon systems, often with more complex tasks and decision-making authority. The internship serves as a stepping stone toward a career as a Weapon Design Engineer.

What is an Internship in Weapon Design?

An Internship in Weapon Design is a temporary, entry-level position where students or recent graduates gain practical experience working on the development and design of weapons or related defense technologies. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers or designers, assisting with tasks such as creating blueprints, conducting research, running simulations, and testing prototypes. The internship provides valuable exposure to the defense industry, allowing interns to build technical skills, understand industry standards, and expand their professional network. Opportunities often exist with defense contractors, government agencies, or military organizations, and may require security clearance depending on the nature of the work.
More about Internship Weapon Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Weapon Design jobs? Cities with the most Internship Weapon Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Weapon Design jobs? The most popular types of Weapon Design jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Weapon Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Weapon Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Weapon Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,304 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulatio

2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulatio

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description
Do you enjoy problem solving and applying your skills across a broad range of applications and research?
Do you have a passion for the design, analysis, simulation, and prototyping of innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?
If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for PhDs who are pursuing degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading next generation development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
  • Radio Frequency (RF) or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
  • Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
  • Hardware/Software Development and Test
  • Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We are seeking creative problem solvers with capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and supporting a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.
As a PhD member on our team you will...
  • Have the opportunity to pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
  • Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics and sensors.
  • Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
  • Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
  • Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
  • Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.

Our team works on a set of subject areas that feed into the design of an autonomous system. The following sections provide some more background on those unique areas:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
  • Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
  • Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization

Radio Frequency and Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor
  • We develop sensor and seeker solutions for advanced autonomous systems and weapons.
  • Types of work: RF and EO/IR system design, sensor and seeker performance analysis and M&S, and receiver signal processing
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding

Modeling and Simulation
  • We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
  • Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
  • Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization

Hardware/Software Development and Testing
  • We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
  • Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems
  • Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
  • Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the internship if you...
  • Are pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
  • Proven internship experience or possess extensive classroom project work in a subject matter in any of the following areas: guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization; electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding; dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization; hardware testing, embedded systems, sensor testing artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C++, Python, or other languages
  • Have a curiosity and appetite for exploring and solving hard problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually