System Administrator Intern

Job Description
In this position, you will participate in BAE Systems' nationwide LEAP Internship & Co-op Program, where you will Learn, Engage, Apply, and Progress within the company. The LEAP Program will provide you with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals on impactful projects, engage in career development opportunities, and network with our business leaders and the other students in the program.

BAE Systems is seeking an ON-SITE Systems Administrator Intern for Summer 2026 to join our IT Operations Team. The intern will work with our team of experienced system administrators and be responsible for supporting our Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments. The successful candidate will be involved in a variety of tasks, including system hardening, troubleshooting, software installation and configuration, and user account management.

As a System Administrator Intern, you will:

• Assist in hardening systems in compliance with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
• Install, configure, and maintain server operating systems, including Windows Servers and RHEL servers.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights within Active Directory.
• Monitor system performance and security to ensure system availability and reliability.
• Assist with data backup and recovery procedures.
• Create and maintain documentation of system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Collaborate with other IT team members on various projects.

About BAE Systems and the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP)

Our organization has supported SSP continually since the program’s inception in the 1950s. SSP developed the first sea-based, underwater-launched Strategic Weapon System (SWS), a defense system that is truly critical to our national security. For more than six decades, SSP has maintained and upgraded this weapon system, and we have been there every step of the way. The sea-based SWS is the ultimate stealthy weapon system and is the first leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. With over 70% of our nation’s nuclear arsenal its importance for maintaining world peace cannot be overstated. The development of the COLUMBIA class, the most advanced nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine ever designed, as well the next D5LE2 weapon system is under way and will begin to be rolled out over the next decade. The US Navy projects that this system will be operational through 2084, meaning the program will have a total life span of more than 120 years. This is a truly unique program and BAE Systems employees on this program understand they are part of an important legacy.

Who You Are

• You are driven by mission
• You love learning how to use and administer new tools and technologies
• You enjoy working with people and collaborating across teams
• You have a high degree of personal drive, initiative, and the ability to drive change
• You are able to explain complex subjects concisely in person and in email
• You love finding new and creative ways to solve problems
• You are always anticipating your customers’ needs and working to exceed their expectations
• You live for details
• You are always looking for ways to do things better and faster
• You are constantly updating your to-do list and planning ahead
• You are more interested in getting the job done right than who gets credit
• You are a good judge of how long projects take to complete, and always alert others if things get off track

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Position is full-time on-site at Washington Navy Yard to meet customer demands
• Ability to obtain a Department of War (DoW) Secret Security Clearance
• Ability to obtain and maintain Common Access Card (CAC), badge access to the customer’s facility, and a SSP network account in good standing.
• Basic understanding of Windows Server and/or Linux operating systems.
• Familiarity with networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A strong desire to learn and a proactive attitude.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with SPLUNK Enterprise
• Experience with VMWare ESXi
• Experience with DISA STIGS

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $58344 - $81128

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20 hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.


About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Salary : $58,344 - $81,128