You seem like the kind of student who thinks spending the summer between your junior and senior year working with experienced engineers in one of the leading companies in the defense industry sounds pretty rad.
And you’re probably looking for a deeper way to explore your curiosity and questions about a career in STEM.
Which is why you’re here, and we’re going to talk you through the Lockheed Martin High School Internship, and how it might be what you’re looking for.
So let’s dive in.
What is the Lockheed Martin High School Internship Program?
Lockheed Martin’s high school internship program gives students the chance to work hands-on with teams developing the latest technology. You could find yourself coding mission systems one week and analyzing satellite data the next. If you dream about working for Tony Stark (the weapons and defense version) and want to see for yourself what a career at the cutting edge of engineering and technology could look like, this is likely a great option to explore.
These internships would be a great fit for you if you’re looking for a way to explore your love of all things STEM in the summer between your junior and senior years. They usually last around 9 weeks and could be a pretty incredible opportunity, opening your eyes to what it means to work in this field as part of a great team.
A bit about the company: Lockheed Martin specializes in defense tech, solving complex challenges, advancing scientific discovery, and delivering innovative solutions, and works in five main business areas: Rotary & Mission Systems, Aero, Space, Missiles & Fire Control, and Enterprise Operations.
So if you want to discover more about global security, aerospace design and manufacture, and the world of defense, keep exploring below.
Lockheed Martin Internships Eligibility and Deadlines
Who can apply?
There are some restrictions to understand regarding who can apply for program.
The Lockheed Martin High School Internships are open to anyone who is:
16 years old at the start of the internship
Currently enrolled in high school
Capable of demonstrating your knowledge and passion for a career in STEM
It’s worth noting that these internships are not open to graduating seniors. If that’s you, go ahead and explore the options available for college internships instead.
You also need to live within a commutable distance of one of the participating Lockheed Martin Space facilities. These include:
Denver, CO
Sunnyvale, CA
Cape Canaveral, FL
King of Prussia/Valley Forge, PA
Huntsville, AL
Herndon, VA
When can I apply?
In general, Lockheed Martin internship applications open in November for the following summer, with a deadline in mid December and interviews the following month.
For example, the Summer 2026 High School Internship Applications opened on November 3rd, 2025,with an application deadline of December 19th. Applicants selected for interviews hear sometime in January 2026.
Program Benefits
Lockheed Martin recognizes the importance of starting early to prepare the next generation of engineers in their field—that’s why they offer internships designed especially for high schoolers.
They do it in part for their own benefit: Lockheed Martin has over 122,000 employees worldwide, and by inviting high schoolers to join the team, they’re looking to the future.
So if you’re curious about a career in things like aerospace and defense, spending 9+ weeks working on world-changing tech and defense projects could be a pretty amazing way to start your journey. And working with an experienced team of professionals on projects ranging from helicopters to cyber solutions to missile defense systems could be pretty mind blowing.
The Lockheed Martin High School Internships offer great benefits to students:
On-the-Job Training
Mentoring & Leader Shadowing
Professional Development Workshops
Community Service
Networking Events & Social Activities
Tours of Facilities & Products
They also have a buddy system, which gives you the one-to-one support you need throughout the internship.
You’ll have the opportunity to build your skills in a way no textbook can teach you. Not only that, but by taking the time to participate in an internship, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to a career in STEM and take a deep dive into your areas of interest.
Working in the real world of engineering also enables you to test out which field most appeals to you and confirm that this is where you want to invest your time, energy, and curiosity. By the time you apply to college, you’ll have seen firsthand where your engineering or tech major could lead you.
How to apply for the Lockheed Martin Internship Program
In order to apply:
You need to sign up to attend one of the information sessions.
You’ll need to submit your resume, so get working on that.
Interviews are offered in January—it’s not too early to start thinking through your reasons for applying, why you make a great candidate, and how you imagine a Lockheed Martin High School Internship will help you achieve your goals in this field.
The information sessions provide specific information on what to expect as an intern, emphasizing that interns are given real, hands-on projects and not just practice exercises.
This includes:
Types of work (e.g., software development, engineering, finance, etc.).
Specific technical skills development and on-the-job training opportunities (e.g., AI/ML, C++, Python, etc.).
Mentorship opportunities.
Program benefits like enhanced tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules.
Presenters may touch upon the skills they look for in candidates and offer advice on the interview process
If you want to read about one former intern’s experience, you can check that out here.
Other High School Summer Opportunities
If Lockheed Martin High School Internships don’t sound quite right for you, there are plenty more options to explore. Have a look at the links below to find the perfect place for you to get the most out of your summer:
Final Thoughts
Lockheed Martin stresses that interns are part of the team. You’ll be handed real problems, not practice exercises; this gives you a close-up, hands-on look at a world you may have been excited about for several years. Their list of possible projects includes writing code for mission systems, analyzing satellite data, or engineering hardware. So dive in, and good luck.
Jane Longley is a devoted reader, writer, and educator. Her love of stories began when she discovered the joy of reading at an early age. She’s rarely without a book, and this interest persists today in her work as an essay coach, helping others share their stories. Having graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Modern Languages, Jane worked as a teacher in the UK for ten years before moving to Nicaragua, where she has lived for over two decades. She has worked with students from every continent except Antarctica and loves to discuss books, films, characters, and the best way to write about them.
Top values: Honesty, Empathy, Communication
