Combat Systems Engineer (Full Time or Internship)
Combat Systems Engineers at NSWC Dahlgren Division work on the technologies that enable Navy ships to sense, decide, and act in complex operational environments. From radar and sensors to fire control and decision-support software, our engineers help integrate and sustain the systems that power the Fleet.
This is hands-on, mission-focused engineering—supporting real platforms, real hardware, and real Sailors.
What You’ll Work On
As a Combat Systems Engineer, you may contribute to:
- Integration of sensors, weapons, and software systems
- System-level engineering across design, development, test, and sustainment
- Software-driven decision support and real-time system performance
- Fleet-focused testing in lab and operational environments
- Analysis, troubleshooting, and modernization of fielded combat systems
- Collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Programs such as Mark 160 Fire Control are just one example of how government-owned innovation keeps pace with evolving threats.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for students and early-career engineers who are:
- Curious, analytical, and motivated by mission impact
- Interested in system-of-systems engineering
- Comfortable working across hardware and software boundaries
- Strong communicators who enjoy team-based problem solving
- Interested in national security, defense, and applied engineering
Preferred Majors:
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering (with controls, systems, or software exposure)
Skills & Interests (Not all required):
- Systems integration
- Software development or analysis
- Sensors, radar, or signal processing
- Embedded or real-time systems
- Modeling, simulation, or test & evaluation
- Linux, Python, C/C++, Java (helpful but not required)
Why NSWC Dahlgren?
- Work on real-world systems used by the U.S. Navy
- Contribute to fleet readiness and national defense
- Gain exposure to the full lifecycle of complex engineering systems
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and operators
- Grow your career in a mission-driven, technically challenging environment