Lockheed Martin high school internships: programs, deadlines, and how to apply in 2026

Lockheed Martin is one of the few major defense contractors with structured high school internship programs. The company's Space division runs the Space Pathways Scholars program, and other divisions offer STEM internships for students 16 and older. Here's what's available and how to apply.

Space Pathways Scholars

Lockheed Martin Space offers a dedicated high school program for students interested in aerospace engineering and space systems. Interns work at Lockheed Martin facilities alongside engineers on real programs — satellite integration, spacecraft testing, and mission support.

Eligibility:

• US citizen (ITAR requirement)
• Currently enrolled in high school (rising juniors and seniors preferred)
• At least 16 years old
• Strong STEM grades and extracurricular involvement
• Must be within commuting distance of a participating facility

Pay: Approximately $22–$26/hour (varies by location and program)

Duration: 8–12 weeks during summer

Application timeline: Applications typically open in November and close in mid-December for the following summer. The Summer 2026 window closed December 19, 2025. For Summer 2027, set calendar reminders for November 2026.

Other LM high school STEM programs

Beyond the Space division, Lockheed Martin offers community-based STEM programs:

• Engineers in the Classroom: Lockheed engineers visit local high schools for mentoring and project-based learning
• FIRST Robotics sponsorship: LM sponsors teams nationwide — participation builds relationships with local LM engineers
• Code Quest: Annual high school programming competition hosted at LM facilities
• Vocational/technical tracks: Some facilities offer manufacturing and technician internships for students in vocational programs

What high school interns actually work on

Lockheed Martin interns aren't filing paperwork. Typical assignments include:

• Supporting satellite integration and testing procedures
• CAD modeling and 3D design tasks for spacecraft components
• Software testing and documentation for mission systems
• Data analysis on test campaigns
• Manufacturing support in production environments

Interns present their work at the end of the program, and strong performers are tracked for future college internship and Co-op opportunities.

How to strengthen your application

1. Build technical projects. Lockheed values hands-on engineering experience — robotics teams, rocketry competitions (TARC, FIRST), science fair projects with measurable results.

2. Learn CAD software. SolidWorks, CATIA, or Fusion 360 experience stands out for hardware-focused roles.

3. Get coding skills. Python, MATLAB, or C++ are relevant across LM divisions. Even basic scripting demonstrates technical aptitude.

4. Target less competitive locations. Sunnyvale CA and Denver CO facilities get more applications than Huntsville AL or Camden AR. The internship credential is the same regardless of location.

LM internship pipeline: high school to career

The typical Lockheed Martin progression mirrors NASA's:

1. High school intern — Build credential and internal network
2. College intern/co-op — LM hires thousands of college interns annually with ~90% conversion (CLP program)
3. Full-time engineer — Entry at Level 1, typical starting salary $72K–$95K depending on degree and location
4. Career progression — Level 1 through Senior Staff/Fellow, with salaries reaching $155K–$220K+ at senior levels

Returning interns get strong preference in subsequent hiring cycles. A high school internship creates a documented connection to Lockheed Martin's recruiting pipeline.

Browse Lockheed Martin positions on Zero G Talent, or see our Lockheed Martin careers guide and LM internship guide. Compare with NASA high school internships, Northrop Grumman internships, or SpaceX internships.