Columbia Class Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems Summer Intern

General Dynamics Electric Boat provides an unparalleled learning experience for college students, offering practical exposure in the defense industry alongside expert engineers, shaping the future of submarine innovation.

Engineers at Electric Boat work collaboratively across departments and with our customer to develop innovative solutions for the United States Navy’s nuclear submarines. As an Intern, you'll be exposed to various engineering activities with the support of our senior staff. This program grants our trainees the opportunity to develop valuable skills and dive into cutting-edge projects such as leading the Columbia Class design and enhancing Virginia Class submarines. Every intern will be exposed to a wealth of knowledge in order to excel in the engineering domain.

This program requires a minimum commitment of 8 weeks during the Summer 2025 Season.

Participation in this program requires medical screening, passing a drug test, and potential DOD Investigation

This is not a remote opportunity.

All applicants have the potential to be placed at either of the following locations: Groton CT or New London CT

Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems – COLUMBIA - Summer Internship

Job Description:

The Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems - COLUMBIA Directorate aims to be the innovative leader in the propulsion plant and ship system design, construction support, and fleet support. We continuously improve both products and processes to produce designs that meet or exceed our customer’s needs and provide onsite support to the shipyard in support of ship construction.

The Propulsion Plant and Ship Systems - COLUMBIA Directorate is responsible for the engineering and design of Propulsion Plant Systems, Structures, Arrangements, and Shielding for COLUMBIA Class. This directorate will also provide fleet support to commissioned COLUMBIA Class submarines. Our engineers and designers develop and analyze all propulsion plant fluid systems and structures on COLUMBIA Class submarines.   

Propulsion Plant and Ship System Summer Interns may be responsible for the following tasks:

• Performing calculations on fluid systems, structures, and components
• Ensuring that system requirements and specifications are being met by our designs
• Engaging with the Design workforce, Construction Trades, and NAVY representatives to implement new designs or resolve design and construction issues
• Working in a team environment with multiple stakeholders to develop solutions to complex propulsion plant problems
• Evaluating material conditions or design issues onboard a submarine under construction or on a commissioned submarine

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!

To be qualified for this position:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• US citizenship 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
• 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 2025 to September 2025.
• 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, Civil Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Acoustic Engineering

Additional 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)