Celebrating Interns Day: Meet Our Explorers
This Interns Day, we’re excited to highlight our Explorer Intern Program, which launched this summer with 55 talented interns across the nation! As part of our Elevate Talent strategy, we’re committed to guiding professionals at every stage and investing in the next generation of leaders.
About the Explorer Program
The name “Explorer” reflects our belief that every career journey is a climb. For many interns, this is their first look into the defense and space industry. Our goal is to help them explore their interests, grow professionally, and gain real-world experience in a supportive environment.
The program offers more than a summer job. At Astrion, interns can return, work part-time during school, and even transition into full-time roles. Some have already continued their journey through graduate programs and into full-time positions at Astrion.
Our Explorers’ Impact
Across the company, our interns are contributing to real, mission-driven projects:
- Air Force Operations: Interns at Eglin AFB are supporting live test activities, analyzing data, and working on AI initiatives that directly impact military readiness.
- Emerging Tech + AI: Teams on IRAD and IF/RCO contracts are developing tools like semantic search systems and drone imaging apps using Android Studio, laying the foundation for future features such as AI and GPS integration.
- Missile Defense: Interns working with Astrion’s subsidiary SEG are creating advanced flight simulations, RF signature models, and using machine learning to analyze threats—critical work for the Aegis Combat System.
- Engineering Support: On the RTES and Army Missile Development Command contracts, interns are applying classroom knowledge to real-world systems—handling test equipment, troubleshooting data, and supporting weapons performance studies.
- Space & NASA: From building 3D models for wargaming to supporting Mars mission instruments and robotic systems at Kennedy Space Center, our interns are gaining hands-on experience shaping the future of space.
- Corporate Functions: Interns are gaining exposure to a variety of Astrion’s business functions that spread across Human Resources, Contracts & Procurement, and the Growth team.
Meet Some of Our Explorer
Kaytlin Church, an industrial and systems engineering student from Virginia, is researching nuclear power in space.
Fun fact: She paraglided off a mountain while on the trip in Chamonix, France.
“Growing up in a military family, I’ve seen the impact of this work. Now I get to be part of it here at Astrion.”
Hayden Laube, a computer science student at University of Central Florida is enhancing wargaming simulations.
Fun fact: He has been building 3D models since high school as a fun hobby, which he now gets to do professionally.
“I was drawn to this internship at Astrion because of the opportunity to apply my creative and technical skills in a real-world environment with national impact.”
Jasmin Wu, a computer science student at the University of Pennsylvania, is working on threat simulation.
Fun Fact: She enjoys eating lemons and limes.
“I’m excited to bring my AI background to contribute. I want to learn what it’s like to work as a government contractor.”
Neel Patel, a computer engineering major at University of Maryland, is working on Signatures Engineering.
Fun fact: He likes going to the gym, playing sports, and hanging out with friends.
“Everyone here at Astrion is positive and willing to help. I’ve expanded my knowledge of Python and MATLAB.”
Michael Black, a finance student from Tennessee, is a returning intern in the contracts and procurement division.
Fun fact: He’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s in business administration.
“I am a returning intern and the people here really care about us and the work we’re doing. That makes all the difference.”
Thank you to all our interns for their incredible work and fresh perspectives. We’re proud to be a part of your career journey.