2026 Manufacturing Transition Engineering Internship

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Manufacturing Transition Engineer intern is responsible for assisting Operations and Engineering in building and documenting different products offered by DSI Optronics. This individual will assist production personnel and engineering with daily build and troubleshooting, identify and implement improved processes through use of Lean Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies, design and implement tooling and test equipment and train assembly personnel. This position will provide the individual with knowledge and experience in the day-to-day tasks and roles and responsibilities of a Manufacturing Engineer. The majority of time will be spent on the production floor working with equipment/ processes, production personnel, quality and engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Introduction to evaluating and improving manufacturing methods by learning knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods, quality standards, Lean Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies
• Assist in the process to develop and implement manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows, routers and bills of materials
• Aid production personnel with daily build and troubleshooting
• Identify and recommend changes for manufacturability
• Works closely with Engineering, Programs and customers to learn about test plans and procedures that cover the requirements and functions of a product
• Assist assemblers and technicians to perform manufacturing and testing of complex electro-optical and optomechanical assemblies
• Develop understanding of production tools and verifying tools are on hand and available for use
• Learn and assist non-conformance activities, from supplying the proper data to engineers, assisting rework procedures to aid in disposition of parts when appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Currently enrolled in a 4-year Engineering program such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s
• Team player with a “can do” attitude
• Working knowledge with computer skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational skills with a high attention to detail
• Results driven, thorough, and timely
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to multi-task across a broad range of responsibilities
• Solid verbal and written communication skills
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Previous internship experience a plus
• Experience with LabVIEW
• Experience working in an ITAR environment and a DoD cleared facility a plus
• Knowledge with ISO 9000 and 9015 a plus
• Knowledge with SAP or other ERP systems a plus
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma a plus

TRAVEL: NONE

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: 

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).