Built to Contribute: Inside a Summer of Innovation
Real work. Real growth. Right now.
Some of the most meaningful contributions come from those just starting out. On this National Intern Day, we’re spotlighting interns who brought fresh thinking and sharp skills to every challenge they tackled.
Whether navigating complex systems or strengthening development processes, these interns approached the work with curiosity, adaptability, and a drive to make a difference.
Devyn
System Safety Engineer Intern, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD)
For Devyn, safety is the thread that ties it all together. As a system safety engineer intern supporting Integrated Air and Missile Defense programs, he’s been focused on making sure complex defense systems not only function well but can be operated safely.
His summer project centered on developing a technical report for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), breaking down how PAC-3 subsystems integrate into a broader System of Systems and what they’re capable of when everything aligns.
More than anything, the experience has been a turning point. “This internship confirmed how much I love systems thinking,” he explains. “I’ve worked across disciplines, tackled real deliverables, and strengthened both my communication and technical skills. It’s why I’m planning to pursue systems engineering for grad school.”
Devyn has returned to Lockheed Martin for multiple internships, and what keeps him coming back is the energy.
One of his favorite moments came during a months-long diagnostic demo. “I got to collaborate with engineers, government teams, and active-duty military,” he recalls. “It was real collaboration, and real perspective.”
Erin
Systems Engineering Intern, Simulation and Systems Labs
For Erin, solving problems is only half the job. Making sure everyone’s on the same page? That’s the other half.
As a systems engineering intern working on simulation requirements, she spent her summer reviewing and refining more than 200 system requirements and helping ensure development teams had the clarity and structure they needed to move forward.
“Every requirement is a building block,” Erin says. “And my role was to make sure none of them were missing or misaligned. That kind of detail matters.”
She appreciated being treated as a full contributor from the start. “It didn’t feel like busy work. It felt like trust.”
And the everyday moments had their own kind of inspiration. “I love aviation,” Erin says. “So seeing jets take off outside the office. That never gets old.”
Yahya
Embedded Software Engineering Intern, Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) Program
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That perseverance paid off. His contributions helped shape real tools that advance Lockheed Martin’s mission. But what stood out most was the culture. “From day one, I was treated with the same level of respect as a full-time employee. That challenged me to grow and gave me the confidence to take bold steps.”
His advice to future interns?
James
Transmission Design Intern, CH-53K Sikorsky
James brought a hands-on mindset to every task, whether improving gear producibility or supporting digital twin development. As a transmission design intern on the CH-53K program, he collaborated with engineers across the Sikorsky team to refine manufacturing processes and model complex machines using tools like CATIA V5 and 3DX.
One highlight was his work modeling equipment to support a digital twin of the Stratford Manufacturing Facility, a project that bridged design with real-world operations. Another was working alongside an aeronautical engineer to improve producibility through tolerance stack-up analysis.
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Beyond the technical work, Lockheed Martin’s mentoring culture stood out. “The Wings mentoring program helped me build a personal and professional connection with my mentor, who shared insights I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.” He even got to tour the Shelton O&R facilities to see the CH-53K overhaul process up close.
For James, what made the experience exceptional was how invested the team was in his growth.
One especially meaningful moment came when a senior manager learned about his background in Formula SAE and connected him with a hands-on rotor assembly project. “Getting to see parts go from design to build gave me a more complete understanding of how everything works together.”
Building More Than a Resume
Interns at Lockheed Martin bring their skills into real-world environments and leave with more than experience. They leave with momentum.
Every summer brings a new wave of fresh perspectives, and each one helps shape the work we do. With the right tools, the right support, and the room to grow, interns gain a sense of what they are capable of for their careers and for the work they’re part of.
Interns aren’t here to observe. They’re here to build.
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