Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – COLUMBIA - Summer Internship 2027

Overview

The Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – COLUMBIA is an engineering and design organization that leads innovative development of propulsion plant systems, ship systems, structures, arrangements, and shielding for the COLUMBIA Class. The directorate continuously improves its products and processes to deliver high‑quality engineering solutions that meet or exceed customer needs, while providing on and off-site support to the shipyard throughout submarine construction. Interns within this organization contribute to both design-focused and waterfront-focused engineering activities, supporting construction, technical troubleshooting, and fleet readiness.

This directorate is responsible for developing and analyzing propulsion plant fluid systems, structures, and arrangements, as well as delivering timely, accurate, construction‑support engineering products that increase shipyard productivity and prevent unnecessary work or rework. Engineers and designers also provide fleet support to commissioned COLUMBIA Class submarines and work directly with shipyard personnel, vendors, and Navy stakeholders to resolve technical issues across all construction and testing phases.

Engineering, Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems Summer Interns may be responsible for the following tasks:

- Performing calculations on fluid systems, structures, shielding, and other engineered components

- Ensuring system requirements and specifications are satisfied by engineering designs

- Engaging with Design workforce, Construction Trades, and Navy representatives to implement new designs or resolve design and construction issues

- Working in multidisciplinary team environments to develop solutions to complex propulsion plant or ship system problems

- Evaluating material conditions or design issues aboard submarines under construction or in service

- Providing troubleshooting support on the deck‑plate and responding to emergent technical issues

- Investigating and documenting technical responses to non‑conformances and design changes

- Resolving vendor product issues and modifying technical manuals and publications

- Communicating with Navy customers through formal technical submittals

- Submitting test procedure modifications and supporting land‑based steaming activities

- Supporting major lifting and handling evolutions, module shipments, and other waterfront operations essential to submarine construction productivity

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received, our current process does not involve interviews. Rest assured that even though you will not be contacted for an interview, your time and effort are greatly appreciated. Each application is diligently reviewed for consideration. Thank you for your understanding and interest!

Qualifications

To be qualified for this position:

- Must be 18 years of age or older.

- US citizenship is required.

- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance with the Dept of Defense is required.

- Must be able to successfully pass a medically supervised drug screen and background check.

- Must be enrolled full-time at a college or university

- Available to work at all EB sites.

- At minimum students must have completed their Freshman year prior to the start of the internship.

- Must be available to work 40 hours per week for a minimum eight (8) consecutive weeks between May 2027 to September 2027.

- Selected candidates will be responsible for establishing housing and reliable transportation for the duration of their intern assignment.

- Pursuing a Bachelor or Masters of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Structural/Civil Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

Skills

- Effective written and verbal communication skills

- Ability to effectively work both independently and as part of a team

- Ability to learn new skills and apply them

- Ability to solve problems in a constructive manner

- Strong interpersonal skills

- Proficient with MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Office)