title: "Internships at Lockheed Martin in 2026: Complete Guide to Every Program" slug: internships-at-lockheed-martin-2026 description: "Everything you need to know about Lockheed Martin internships in 2026. Summer interns, co-ops, CWEP, application timelines, pay rates, locations, and conversion to full-time." category: Internships keywords: internships at lockheed martin, lockheed martin internship 2026, lockheed martin co-op, lockheed martin CWEP datePublished: "2026-02-28"
Internships at Lockheed Martin in 2026: Complete Guide to Every Program
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor and one of the top employers of early-career engineers in the aerospace and space industry. With involvement in programs ranging from the F-35 fighter jet to NASA's Orion spacecraft and the next generation of GPS satellites, an internship at Lockheed Martin exposes students to work that directly shapes national security and space exploration.
This guide covers every internship pathway Lockheed Martin offers in 2026, including how to apply, what each program involves, compensation details, and strategies for converting to full-time employment.
Lockheed Martin Internship Programs Overview
Lockheed Martin runs three primary early-career programs, each structured differently depending on your academic timeline and career goals.
| Program | Duration | Schedule | Typical Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Internship | 10–12 weeks | May–August | Sophomore–Senior |
| Co-op Program | 3–4 rotations | Alternating semesters | Sophomore–Senior |
| CWEP (College Work Experience Program) | Ongoing, part-time | Year-round | Junior–Graduate |
Summer Internship
The summer internship is Lockheed Martin's highest-volume program, bringing in roughly 3,000 interns each summer across all four business areas: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), and Space.
Summer interns work on real program deliverables alongside full-time engineers. Projects range from structural analysis on spacecraft components to developing software for satellite ground systems. Each intern is assigned a mentor and expected to present their work at the end of the program.
Co-op Program
The co-op program is a multi-rotation experience where students alternate between full-time work at Lockheed Martin and academic semesters at their university. Typically this involves three to four rotations over two to three years, with each rotation lasting one full semester (approximately 16 weeks).
Co-ops can rotate through different teams and even different business areas, giving them broader exposure to the company. This is particularly valuable for students who are still exploring which engineering discipline or program area they want to pursue long-term.
CWEP (College Work Experience Program)
CWEP is Lockheed Martin's part-time, year-round work program designed for students whose universities are located near a Lockheed Martin facility. CWEP participants typically work 15–25 hours per week during the academic year and can transition to full-time hours during breaks.
2026 Pay Rates by Program and Level
Lockheed Martin adjusts intern compensation annually based on market data. Here are the expected 2026 rates based on 2025 actuals and the company's announced cost-of-living adjustments.
| Education Level | Summer Intern | Co-op | CWEP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | $22–$24/hr | $22–$24/hr | $20–$22/hr |
| Sophomore | $24–$27/hr | $24–$27/hr | $22–$25/hr |
| Junior | $27–$30/hr | $27–$30/hr | $25–$28/hr |
| Senior | $30–$34/hr | $30–$34/hr | $28–$32/hr |
| Master's | $34–$37/hr | $34–$37/hr | $32–$35/hr |
| PhD | $37–$38/hr | N/A | $35–$38/hr |
In addition to hourly wages, Lockheed Martin provides a housing allowance of $2,000–$4,000 for summer interns who relocate, a relocation lump sum for co-ops, and access to subsidized housing resources at several major sites.
For a detailed breakdown of Lockheed Martin intern compensation including benefits, bonuses, and location-based differentials, see our full salary guide: Lockheed Martin Intern Salary 2026.
Disciplines and Business Areas Hiring Interns
Lockheed Martin hires interns across a wide range of disciplines. The majority of intern positions fall into engineering, but there are significant numbers in IT, business, and operations as well.
Engineering Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering — Structural analysis, thermal management, mechanism design
- Electrical Engineering — Avionics, power systems, antenna design, signal processing
- Software Engineering — Mission software, embedded systems, simulation, DevSecOps
- Systems Engineering — Requirements, architecture, integration, test and evaluation
- Aerospace Engineering — Orbital mechanics, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC
IT and Cybersecurity
Lockheed Martin's IT and cybersecurity internship track has grown substantially, with the company hiring approximately 500 IT interns annually. These roles span network engineering, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, and enterprise application development. Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain framework, now an industry standard, was developed internally, and interns on the cyber team get exposure to cutting-edge threat intelligence work.
Business and Operations
Approximately 15% of Lockheed Martin internships are in non-technical functions including supply chain management, finance, contracts, human resources, and program management. These roles are often overlooked by applicants but offer strong career pathways, particularly in defense program management where business acumen is critical.
Application Timeline for 2026
Lockheed Martin uses a rolling application process, but there are clear peak windows based on historical patterns.
| Phase | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 2025 | First postings appear on lockheedmartinjobs.com |
| Peak Posting Volume | September–October 2025 | Highest number of open positions |
| Career Fair Season | September–November 2025 | Major university recruiting events |
| First Offers Sent | October–November 2025 | Strongest candidates receive early offers |
| Positions Begin Closing | December 2025 | Rolling closures as positions fill |
| Late-Cycle Openings | January–March 2026 | Backfill and newly funded positions |
| Programs Begin | May–June 2026 | Summer interns and new co-op rotations start |
Top Lockheed Martin Internship Locations
| Location | Business Area | Space-Related Work |
|---|---|---|
| Littleton, CO | Space | Orion, GPS III, missile defense satellites |
| Sunnyvale, CA | Space | Advanced satellite systems, space vehicles |
| Huntsville, AL | MFC / Space | Next-gen interceptors, SLS contributions |
| Marietta, GA | Aeronautics | C-130J, F-35 center fuselage |
| Fort Worth, TX | Aeronautics | F-35 final assembly, F-16 |
| Orlando, FL | RMS / MFC | Simulation, training systems, sensors |
| Moorestown, NJ | RMS | Aegis combat system, radar systems |
| King of Prussia, PA | Corporate IT | Enterprise IT, cybersecurity |
For space industry work specifically, Littleton, CO and Sunnyvale, CA are the premier locations. Littleton is home to Lockheed Martin Space, where the company builds the Orion crew capsule for NASA's Artemis program, GPS III satellites, and various national security space systems.
The Application and Interview Process
Step 1: Online Application
All applications go through lockheedmartinjobs.com. Create a profile, upload your resume, and search for intern or co-op positions. You can filter by business area, location, and discipline. Apply to multiple positions, as Lockheed Martin allows candidates to have several active applications simultaneously.
Step 2: Resume Screening
Lockheed Martin uses both automated parsing and recruiter review. Your resume should include your GPA (required for most intern positions, typically 3.0 minimum), relevant coursework, technical skills with specific tools and languages, and any project or research experience.
Step 3: Phone or Video Screen
Initial interviews are typically 30 minutes with a recruiter or hiring manager. Expect behavioral questions using the STAR format and basic technical questions relevant to the role. Common topics include teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and why you are interested in defense/aerospace.
Step 4: Technical Interview
For engineering roles, the second round usually involves a deeper technical discussion. You may be asked to walk through a past project in detail, solve a technical problem on the spot, or discuss relevant coursework. Software engineering roles may include a coding assessment.
Step 5: Offer and Onboarding
Offers typically include your hourly rate, location, start and end dates, housing allowance details, and the specific program or team. You will usually have two to three weeks to accept. Onboarding includes a background investigation and, for classified programs, initiation of the clearance process.
Converting to Full-Time Employment
Lockheed Martin's intern-to-full-time conversion rate sits at approximately 60%, with co-op students converting at closer to 70–75%. The company views its internship programs as a primary talent pipeline. Factors that influence your conversion chances include:
- Performance evaluation scores from your manager and mentor
- Technical contribution to the program you supported
- Business area headcount and budget availability
- Willingness to obtain or maintain a security clearance
- Geographic flexibility for placement at different sites
Interns who do not receive an immediate full-time offer are entered into Lockheed Martin's talent community and often receive outreach for future openings. The company tracks former interns for up to three years post-graduation.
Tips for a Strong Lockheed Martin Application
Research the specific business area. Lockheed Martin Space builds Orion and GPS satellites. Aeronautics makes the F-35. MFC handles missile defense. RMS does radar and naval systems. Know what your target team does and reference it in your application and interviews.
Highlight team projects. Defense contractors operate in large, integrated teams. Solo projects are fine, but demonstrating your ability to collaborate, communicate technical concepts, and contribute to a group effort is highly valued.
Prepare for the clearance question. If you are a U.S. citizen, state this clearly on your resume. If you are not, focus your applications on the positions marked as not requiring clearance, which are concentrated in IT and some commercial business functions.
Apply early and broadly. Submit applications in September and October. Apply to three to five positions across different locations or disciplines to maximize your chances. Lockheed Martin's system allows internal referrals between positions.
Start Your Search
Lockheed Martin internships offer unmatched exposure to programs that define the future of national security and space exploration. The 2026 application cycle is already underway, so early preparation is essential.
Search for current Lockheed Martin internship and entry-level openings, along with opportunities at other leading space and defense companies, on Zero G Talent. Filter by company, location, and experience level to find the role that matches your skills and interests.
