If you are interested in aerospace engineering, a high school internship can give you a chance to explore the field beyond your regular classes. You may work on projects related to aircraft, spacecraft, robotics, propulsion, materials, or other areas of aerospace engineering. Depending on the program, you could spend time in a laboratory, research facility, engineering workplace, or university setting. These internships can also help you understand what aerospace engineers actually do and which areas of the field interest you most.
TL;DR
This article covers 13 aerospace engineering internships you can pursue as a high school student, ranging from major aerospace and defense companies to federal research programs. You will also find university and lab-based options here and a fully remote option through Ladder Internships if you are not near a host site. Costs, stipends, and eligibility requirements vary quite a bit across the list, so it is worth checking each program's location, timeline, and application deadline before deciding which ones make sense for you.
Why should you do an aerospace engineering internship?
An aerospace engineering internship can help you explore the field through projects, research, and hands-on activities that go beyond what you typically do in school. You may get exposure to areas such as aircraft design, space systems, robotics, materials, propulsion, or engineering analysis. Working with engineers or researchers can also give you a better idea of how aerospace concepts are applied to real projects. An internship can be especially useful if you are considering aerospace engineering as a college major and want to learn more about the field before choosing a degree path. Before exploring all your options, check out our tips for securing an internship in high school to prepare for the application process.
How do you apply for an aerospace engineering internship?
The application process varies considerably between aerospace engineering internships. Some programs may ask for a transcript, resume, essays, recommendations, or information about your coursework and technical experience. Others may have specific requirements related to your grade level, age, location, citizenship, or academic background. Deadlines can also vary, with some summer programs requiring applications several months before the internship begins. Before applying, check each program's eligibility requirements, application materials, dates, costs, and whether previous engineering experience is required. If you are new to all of this, you can start with this guide on applying for internships without any experience.
To help you with your search, we have discussed 12+ aerospace engineering internships for high school students. We have focused on credible options that offer meaningful exposure to aerospace engineering.
If you are also looking for other opportunities, check out our selection of space internships and aerospace internships for high schoolers.
Quick overview
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aerospace and defense company programs |
Lockheed Martin Space Internship, Textron Aviation High School Internship Program, Spirit AeroSystems High School Internship, Northrop Grumman HIP |
Free; a few options come with stipends, with Spirit offering $14/hour |
Students near a participating company site who want hands-on exposure to how a major aerospace or defense company operates |
|
Federal and military research programs |
Free; stipends: $506.80/week – $4,500 (total) |
Students who want paid, lab-based research experience at a defense-related federal facility |
|
|
NASA and university-led programs |
NASA/UT Austin SEES, Princeton LLP, Johns Hopkins APL ASPIRE, NASA Texas High School Aerospace Scholars, MIT Lincoln Laboratory LLRISE |
Free – $2,000 (scholarships available) |
Students seeking mentored research or project work tied to NASA missions or university labs |
|
Virtual/remote programs |
Fee-based; financial aid available |
Students who want a fully remote startup-focused internship experience or do not want to relocate or commute |
12+ Aerospace Engineering Internships for High School Students
1. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Several Air Force research sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is typically $506.80/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; exact details not publicly available
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically a minimum commitment of 8 weeks is required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the spring, summer, or fall.
Application deadline: Summer: January 10 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The ARFL Scholars Program is a paid internship that offers high school and college students research-focused experiences at federal facilities. You will join an active research project team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning various disciplines, including mechanical engineering. You will work in a lab setting under the supervision of scientists and engineers, learn about ongoing Air Force research and development work, and explore career paths over eight weeks or more. You may work with real experimental data, help design experiments, and/or document research findings. You can also return to the program in subsequent years to continue engaging in engineering research.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in Air Force research and seeking a credible paid internship experience.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for firsthand exposure to startup culture and a fully virtual internship experience.
3. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program
Location: Lockheed Martin sites in Denver, CO; Sunnyvale, CA; Cape Canaveral, FL; King of Prussia/Valley Forge, PA; Huntsville, AL; Herndon, VA
Stipend: Paid; specific rate not listed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June – August (9+ weeks)
Application deadline: January 3; applications open on November 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the internship, currently enrolled at a local high school within commuting distance of a participating facility; high school seniors graduating in May are not eligible.
This internship lets you work alongside Lockheed Martin Space's aerospace scientists and engineers to gain hands-on exposure to defense technology and aerospace projects for 9 weeks or more. Beyond your assigned project work, the program will offer on-the-job training, mentoring and leader shadowing, and professional development workshops to help build your technical and workplace skills. You will also take part in community service, networking events, social activities, and tours of Lockheed Martin facilities and products. The experience can introduce you to workplace dynamics and career paths in defense and aerospace industries.
Who it's best for: Students near a participating Lockheed Martin Space facility who want paid, hands-on exposure to aerospace and defense engineering.
4. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: Textron Aviation, Wichita, KS; other sites may also be available
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer Program: June 8 – July 31 + Orientation on June 4; Fall and Spring Programs run on a school-compatible schedule.
Application deadline: TBA; Summer Program applications open in January, Fall Program applications open in June, and Spring Program applications open in October
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up
Textron Aviation offers paid, part-time internships across multiple career areas, letting you build hands-on experience in the aviation industry. You can choose the Engineering track to help with testing, reviewing technical information, solving problems, and supporting projects tied to aircraft design and build, working in either an office or shop floor setting depending on the project. You can also explore tracks like Aviation Maintenance and Manufacturing, both shop-floor-based roles involving aircraft service, assembly, and inspection work, or more office-based paths like Business Management, Communications, Customer Experience and Events, Finance & Sales, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Marketing. Regardless of track, you will support real operational and project-based work rather than shadowing alone, gaining exposure to how a large aircraft manufacturer actually runs.
Who it's best for: Students interested in aerospace, aviation, or general business functions who want paid, hands-on exposure to the operations of a major aircraft manufacturer.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy laboratories (multiple sites nationwide)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend for first-time participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; term can be extended to 10 weeks.
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens; some labs may accept permanent residents and dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
SEAP places high school students in Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories to contribute to real naval research for 8 to 10 weeks during the summer. As a participant, you will spend time in labs, explore naval research, including aerospace and aeronautics-focused projects, and work alongside scientists and engineers. While the precise schedule can vary by project and site, you will connect with researchers and learn about careers in naval research and engineering at SEAP. The program will also let you shadow professionals at labs and attend seminars and presentations.
Who it’s best for: Students in the U.S. looking for a paid opportunity focused on STEM research.
6. Spirit AeroSystems High School Internship Program
Location: Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita, KS
Stipend: $14/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: TBA for the next cycle
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who will be at least 16 years old before the start date; students selected for the Fabrication learning track must be 18 before the start date.
Spirit AeroSystems’ high school internship introduces students to modern aerospace manufacturing and related career areas. You will gain practical experience in areas including sheet metal and composites assembly, fabrication, machining, manufacturing engineering, quality inspection, supply chain, and finance. The program is designed to provide you with an overview of Spirit's engineering, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain processes. High-performing students who complete the program may be invited to participate again or pursue a full-time position with Spirit after graduating from high school.
Who it's best for: Students interested in exploring how aircraft components are designed and manufactured through a paid, hands-on work experience.
7. NASA and UT Austin SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Location: Virtual + University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free for virtual interns | $2,000 for on-site participants; full scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10.75 acceptance rate in the past
Dates: Remote learning: May 15 – July 1; On-site internship: July 5 – 18; Virtual project: June – July 21; Virtual Science Symposium: July 20 – 21
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens
The University of Texas Center for Space Research's STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program lets you contribute to NASA-supported research and work closely with scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals. You will work on NASA mission-driven projects in areas like aerospace engineering, remote sensing, geospatial tech, Earth science, astronomy, and planetary science, while developing skills in problem-solving, engineering design, data analysis, and science communication. The experience will begin with a remote learning phase and culminate in a complete project. You can also engage in a two-week residential experience at UT Austin to collaborate with mentors in person and explore campus facilities. At the end, you will present your work at an online symposium.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in exploring NASA research and engaging in hands-on mentored project work.
8. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; some labs may offer a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1 – 2 students/lab selected out of ~3,000 applications
Dates: Five to six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, enrolled in a high school, U.S. citizens, and able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in New Jersey
Princeton’s LLP is a selective in-person summer internship where you will work with faculty and research staff on real projects in science and engineering. The project focus and tasks vary by placement, but typically include projects in the aerospace engineering department. You may engage in modeling, lab work, data analysis, and/or scientific writing, depending on the project scope. You will follow a full-time summer schedule set by the assigned Princeton lab and complete safety training before starting work. At the end, you will submit a two-page research summary describing your research work.
Who it’s best for: New Jersey students seeking a free, credible, lab-based summer experience on a university campus.
9. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships
Location: Multiple research sites across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipends are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June – August; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; specific roles can have additional criteria
AEOP places high school interns at U.S. Army facilities and university labs to work with scientists or engineers on real research. As an intern, you will work directly under the supervision of a scientist or engineer, contributing to active research projects, with opportunities spanning STEM fields, including aerospace engineering and related disciplines. You may help design or run experiments, assess real research data, or conduct lab work. The program will also offer access to mentorship from a STEM professional, educational workshops and sessions, and opportunities to connect with the broader program network.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM research who are looking for a credible, lab-based internship.
10. Johns Hopkins University APL ASPIRE
Location: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Less than 10%
Dates: June 23 – August 21; commitment of 190 hours (30 to 40 hours/week)
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are 15+ by June 1, have a minimum 2.8 GPA, and are U.S. citizens from specific MD/VA/D.C. regions (check details here)
ASPIRE is a hands-on experience at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory that allows you to engage in real STEM project work before college. You will join a mentor to work on applied research projects, with placements spanning STEM areas, including aerospace engineering. You may spend the summer engaging in experimental lab work, coding, analysis, or prototype testing. In the process, you will learn professional lab practices, project documentation, and lab safety guidelines. You will regularly interact with scientists who will share insights into academic paths and careers. At the end of ASPIRE, you will present your work at a showcase event.
Who it’s best for: Local DMV area students interested in working on technical projects with a mentor over the summer.
11. NASA Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Location: Virtual + residential component at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year.
Dates: Online Course: End of September – Mid March; Summer Virtual Experience: First two weeks of June (juniors) or second week of June (seniors); Onsite Residential Experience: One week in July (dates TBA)
Application deadline: September 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens and residents of Texas
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars is a six-month to year-long STEM learning experience for high school students. The program will begin with virtual learning modules covering topics in engineering, aeronautics, Earth science, technology, and space exploration. In this phase, you will work on developing coding, engineering, and computer-aided design (CAD) skills. If you are among the top-performing high school juniors during the virtual, you will participate in Moonshot, a five-day virtual experience where you will receive mentorship from NASA engineers and scientists. Based on your performance, you may secure an invitation to a residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. If you are a senior, you can participate in a virtual challenge called Flight Path, and then the Slingshot residential experience, which will also be conducted at the Johnson Space Center.
Who it’s best for: Texas students looking for hands-on exposure to space-focused challenges and NASA’s work.
12. Northrop Grumman HIP (High School Involvement Partnership) Mentoring Program
Location: Select Northrop Grumman communities and participating public high schools in locations including Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Utah + virtual sessions and activities at local Northrop Grumman facilities.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Junior year: November – May; Senior year: November – April
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students who attend a participating public high school in a Northrop Grumman community, are U.S. citizens, and have a 3.0 or higher unweighted cumulative GPA
HIP is a two-year mentoring program designed to introduce you to STEM careers and Northrop Grumman’s technologies, products, and work. During your junior year, you will participate in 10 to 12 virtual sessions covering topics such as manufacturing, cybersecurity, systems engineering, company culture, and the experiences of Northrop Grumman interns. You will also take part in activities at a local Northrop Grumman facility about two to three times during the year. In your senior year, you will receive individual or group mentoring from a Northrop Grumman employee and work on a hands-on project. The program also focuses on developing workforce skills and can provide opportunities to learn about high school internships, early-college programs, and vocational programming.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM who want to explore operations of an aerospace and technology company.
13. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)
Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA + residential housing and some sessions at MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 25
Application deadline: March 11
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens
LLRISE is a free, two-week, project-based summer workshop that teaches you how to build small radar systems from the ground up. While not a typical internship, it lets you explore radar systems, which are crucial parts of aviation and aerospace tech, through hands-on experiences. You will work alongside scientists and engineers at Lincoln Laboratory and build a working Doppler and range radar using creative problem-solving strategies. You will live in MIT dormitories for the duration of the program, getting a taste of life on campus over two weeks.
Who it's best for: Students passionate about engineering who want a free, hands-on introduction to radar systems at a national defense research lab.
What skills can you pick up in aerospace engineering internships?
Aerospace engineering internships can help you develop both technical and general workplace skills. Depending on the program, you may practice engineering design, computer-aided design, programming, data analysis, modeling, prototyping, laboratory techniques, or research methods. You may also work on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and presenting technical information. The specific skills you develop will depend on the projects and activities included in each internship.
Can an aerospace engineering internship help with your college applications?
An aerospace engineering internship can give you specific experiences to discuss when applying to college, particularly if you are interested in engineering or a related field. You can use the experience to show how you explored aerospace engineering outside the classroom and what you learned from working on real projects. It may also give you examples for essays or interviews about your academic interests and future goals. To ensure you make the most of the experience, focus on adding to your profile what you actually did as an intern, things you learned, and how the experience helped you understand your interests.
Common questions about these internships
1. What kinds of aerospace projects will I actually work on as an intern?
This varies depending on the program. Some placements focus on aircraft or spacecraft design and testing, while others center on propulsion, materials, radar systems, satellite and space mission research, or Earth and planetary science. A few programs also involve manufacturing-focused work, like assembling or inspecting actual aircraft components, rather than research or design tasks.
2. Will I be working in a lab, on a research project, or in a manufacturing setting?
Both are common across this list. Several programs place you in a university or national lab setting doing hands-on research, data analysis, or experimental work alongside scientists and engineers. Others, particularly those hosted by aerospace manufacturers, involve shop-floor or production environments where you support real assembly, fabrication, or quality inspection work.
3. Are these internships paid, and how competitive are they?
Many offer a stipend or hourly pay, with the amount of up to $4,500 available, though a handful are unpaid, particularly some university-based research programs. Selectivity also varies significantly, with some programs disclosing low acceptance rates or a small number of available spots per lab, while others avoid publishing specific acceptance data.
4. Do I need to be near a specific location, or can I participate remotely?
Most of these internships require you to commute to or live near a specific facility, lab, or company site, and some are limited to students from a particular state or region. A few programs offer virtual components. Ladder Internships offer a fully remote format, pairing students with startups for a virtual work experience.