1

Systems Engineering Internships Jobs in Virginia

Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$61K - $113K/yr

... systems engineering experience, including academic, internship, co-op, or professional experience. * Understanding of systems engineering principles and the systems engineering lifecycle.

About Software Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you passionate about building real-world ... Supporting the development of console and embedded software systems * Troubleshooting issues and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Systems Engineering Internships information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$126.1K

$165.6K

How much do systems engineering internships jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering internships in Virginia is $126,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems engineering intern?

To thrive as a Systems Engineering Intern, you generally need a background in engineering or computer science, strong analytical thinking, and a solid grasp of systems theory. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, or requirements management software, and coursework or certifications in systems engineering principles are often expected. Strong soft skills include effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn in a collaborative environment. These skills and qualities are essential for contributing to complex projects, adapting to new technologies, and supporting the broader engineering team.

Are systems engineering interns in high demand?

Systems engineering internships are generally in high demand due to the growing need for skilled engineers in industries such as aerospace, defense, and technology. Interns with knowledge of systems design, modeling tools, and certifications like INCOSE are often sought after, especially in companies focusing on complex system development and integration.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering Internships vs Mechanical Engineering Internships?

AspectSystems Engineering InternshipsMechanical Engineering Internships
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, or related fieldsUsually pursuing or holding a degree in mechanical engineering or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentInvolves systems design, integration, and analysis often in aerospace, defense, or tech industriesFocuses on product design, manufacturing, and testing in automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in industries requiring complex system integration like aerospace, defense, and tech companiesPrevalent in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries

Systems Engineering Internships and Mechanical Engineering Internships share some foundational engineering principles but differ in focus areas. Systems internships emphasize system integration and analysis, while mechanical internships concentrate on product design and manufacturing. Both roles are valuable entry points in engineering careers, often requiring related technical degrees and offering industry-specific experiences.

What is a systems engineering internship?

Systems Engineering Internships are short-term, hands-on training opportunities for students or recent graduates interested in systems engineering. Interns work alongside experienced engineers to help design, analyze, and improve complex systems in industries such as aerospace, technology, or manufacturing. These internships typically involve tasks like requirements analysis, modeling, testing, and documentation. The goal is to provide practical experience and a deeper understanding of the systems engineering process, often serving as a stepping stone to a full-time engineering role.

What types of projects do systems engineering interns typically work on?

Systems Engineering Interns often participate in multidisciplinary projects such as system integration, requirements analysis, and testing of hardware or software systems. These projects provide hands-on experience with real-world engineering challenges and exposure to tools like MATLAB, Simulink, or various modeling software. Interns usually collaborate closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, fostering both technical and teamwork skills. This experience not only strengthens their engineering foundation but also helps them build a professional network and gain insights into potential career paths within systems engineering.

What does a systems engineering intern do?

A systems engineering intern assists in designing, analyzing, and testing complex systems, often supporting project teams with system integration, documentation, and troubleshooting. They typically use tools like MATLAB, CAD software, or simulation programs and gain experience in requirements analysis and system lifecycle processes.
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineering Internships jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineering Internships jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Systems Engineering Internships jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Systems Engineering Internships job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Internships job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, and 82% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,124 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Trident Systems LLC

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

$61K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Systems Engineer
Requisition ID: 1822
Position Location: Fairfax, VA
Position Reports To: Manager, Software Engineering
Supervises Others: No

Trident has built a reputation as a trusted provider of aerospace and defense electronics & processing systems including digital RF & Optical command and control solutions and atmospheric & airborne sensors. Our three operating units: Space Electronic Systems (SES), Integrated C4ISR Systems (ICS) and Optical Precision Systems (OPS), develop within the agile framework which enables us to produce proven, purpose-built systems that solve our customers’ mission critical challenges across space, air, land, and sea.

Trident’s Integrated C4ISR Systems (ICS) specializes in products and services which improve the safety and survivability of our armed forces. We develop solutions for a wide range of demanding missions and environments, including tactical communications systems for multi-national interoperability, autonomous predictive maintenance and logistics solutions, and scalable, responsive, all-domain surveillance systems. Trident's integrated systems support the protection of the National Capital Region and various military installations both domestic and abroad. We can deliver innovative, high-performance solutions that meet our customers' evolving requirements by integrating our specialized knowledge in electronic systems with appropriately scaled development methodologies.

Position Summary

The Systems Engineer will support the development and maintenance of system architecture, requirements, and verification artifacts for the CBM+ program. Working within a cross-functional engineering team, this role will apply Systems Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles throughout the system lifecycle.

The selected candidate will contribute to the development of system architectures using Cameo Systems Modeler and SysML, support the creation and maintenance of DoDAF architectural views, and collaborate with government customers and technical stakeholders to define, analyze, and manage system and software requirements. This role will also support verification and validation activities through the development of verification methods, test cases, and test procedures to demonstrate compliance with program requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support the development and maintenance of system architecture models using Cameo Systems Modeler and SysML.
  • Develop and maintain DoDAF architectural views, including operational, system, and data architecture artifacts.
  • Create and maintain system context diagrams, interface definitions, and data flow models.
  • Support the development of behavioral and structural system models, including Use Case, Activity, Sequence, Block Definition, and Internal Block Diagrams.
  • Collaborate with government customers, stakeholders, and engineering teams to elicit, analyze, and document system requirements.
  • Develop and maintain system requirements, software requirements, interface requirements, and associated traceability artifacts.
  • Decompose high-level customer needs and operational requirements into detailed, testable technical requirements.
  • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and ambiguities within requirements and architecture artifacts and recommend corrective actions.
  • Maintain bidirectional traceability between customer needs, system requirements, software requirements, architectural models, and verification artifacts.
  • Define and document requirement verification methods, including Inspection, Analysis, Demonstration, and Test.
  • Develop verification plans, test cases, test procedures, and test steps to support verification and validation activities.
  • Support test execution activities and document verification results.
  • Prepare and present technical information to customers, program leadership, and engineering teams.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, reports, and engineering artifacts in Confluence and other program repositories.
  • Participate in technical reviews, architecture reviews, and requirements working groups.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
  • 1–3 years of systems engineering experience, including academic, internship, co-op, or professional experience.
  • Understanding of systems engineering principles and the systems engineering lifecycle.
  • Experience using Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or similar MBSE tools.
  • Familiarity with requirements development, decomposition, verification, and traceability concepts.
  • Familiarity with SysML modeling concepts and MBSE methodologies.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with DoDAF architecture frameworks and architectural modeling.
  • Experience developing system, software, or interface requirements.
  • Experience defining requirement verification methods and developing test cases and procedures.
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools such as Jama, DOORS, Jira, or similar platforms.
  • Experience creating technical documentation in Confluence.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
  • Familiarity with C4ISR systems, predictive maintenance systems, logistics systems, or data analytics platforms.
  • Familiarity with Agile software development environments.
  • Active Secret Security Clearance.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $61,000 - $113,000

Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.


Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Health benefits
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Basic life with AD&D
    • Short term disability
    • Long term disability
    • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
    • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including automatic company contribution)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Leaves (Parental, pregnancy, and military)
  • Potential annual bonus


Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Trident Systems is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)