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The Department of the Navy recognizes that a healthy science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is a priority. Numerous programs exist for exceptional high school students and college (undergrad and graduate) students with an interest in a future career in the STEM fields. The goal is to build skills and STEM confidence through hands-on learning activities that incorporate naval-relevant content.
The Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) is an 8-week paid internship for high school students. This summer internship encourages students to pursue a career in science and engineering, participate in research under the guidance of an appropriate research mentor, and engage them in Department of the Navy (DON) research and technology efforts across NIWC Pacific’s mission areas of Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Space and Cyber. Students will work closely under the guidance of a research mentor and project team at one of our NIWC Pacific laboratory locations in Philadelphia, Hawaii, Japan, & San Diego. NIWC Pacific currently offers virtually, in-person, or hybrid (both virtual and in-person) internships providing flexibility to adjust to meet the project and mentor requirements. Application period is open from August 1 through November 1. For more information about SEAP please visit here.
Sea Cadets from around the country are selected each winter to participate in a two-week internship program at the Navy Marine Mammal Program through a competitive process. Currently the only opportunity that exists for high school students to participate in the Marine Mammal Program is through the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. High school students who are interested are encouraged to contact the Sea Cadet Corps to find out how they can get involved with the program at www.seacadets.org
Naval Horizons introduces students to cutting-edge Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) topics that impact the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. These topics include autonomy, oceanography, cybersecurity, undersea medicine and much more. Open call is in April to May where we invite students to learn about Naval STEM challenges and our many scientists and engineers through this video series. At the completion of the video series, students are encouraged to write an essay explaining how NIWC Pacific research and people inspire them and submit their essay for a potential cash prize. This essay contest challenges students to picture themselves in a STEM career by designing the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps of the future. For more information visit https://www.navalhorizons.us
The Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP) is a 10-week summer intern program designed to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate STEM majors. Students actively participate in research, under the guidance of an appropriate research mentor and alongside a project team at our NIWC Pacific laboratory. NIWC Pacific currently offers internship sessions virtually, in-person, or hybrid per the project and mentor requirements with opportunities in our Philadelphia, Hawaii, Japan and San Diego office locations. Stipends are paid and varied based on education level as determined by Office of Naval Research. Application period is open from August 1 through November 1. For more information visit https://www.navalsteminterns.us
The Animal Care and Training Internship with the Navy Marine Mammal Program is designed to give sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. Students are responsible for a number of support tasks with dolphins and sea lions throughout the course of the internship including diet preparation, sanitation, and equipment and facility maintenance. Interns also have the opportunity to assist the Navy’s marine mammal training staff in husbandry, research and open-water training sessions. This internship is a 40 hours per week, 16-week commitment. Application deadlines are October 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer, and June 1 for Fall. Click here for more information.
With its focus on preparing underrepresented student populations for employment in the technical fields, the Department of the Navy sponsors a HBCU/MSI program designed to encourage and support minority researchers and graduates. The DoN's HBCU/MI program is specifically intended to increase the participation of HBCU/MIs in the Navy's research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) programs and activities. The DoN HBCU/MI program supports national security functions across the DoN through increased involvement in basic and applied research. For more information visit here.
The Southwestern College internship focuses on interdisciplinary projects in various STEM fields. Interns receive hands-on experience as members of a research group, carrying out fundamental work in areas pertaining to NIWC Pacific. The program has been in existence for over twenty years and it is aimed at giving Science and Engineering students at the community college an opportunity to participate in unclassified research and development activities conducted at NIWC Pacific. This program accepts 10 to 15+ interns every summer. They are assigned a research advisor who oversees their work during the 10-week period of the program. The program is managed by the Cyber Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Department. Open to ALL qualified Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) students. For more information visit here.
The NDSEG Fellowship Program is a joint program of the United States Army, Navy and Air Force within the University Research Initiative (URI), designed to increase the number of U.S. citizens trained in disciplines of science and engineering important to defense goals. DoD awards approximately 100-150 new three-year graduate fellowships each year to individuals for study and research leading to doctoral degrees in, or closely related to, the disciplines of aeronautical and astronautical engineering; biosciences; chemical engineering; chemistry; cognitive, neural and behavioral sciences; electrical engineering; geosciences; civil engineering; computer and computational sciences; materials science and engineering; mathematics; mechanical engineering; naval architecture and ocean engineering; oceanography; and physics. For more information visit here.
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program provides STEM students with the tools needed to pursue higher education degrees (BS, MS, PhD) and begin a rewarding career with the DoD. Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, full stipends, internships and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation. Summer internships are performed at DoD facilities alongside scientists and engineers; these experiences prepare scholars for full-time employment and get them accustomed to working with the DoD. SMART is a one-for-one commitment; for every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working for a year with the DoD as a civilian employee. For more information visit https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart Click here to learn how one NIWC Pacific employee used SMART to launch a career as our current Oceanographer and Outreach Lead!
For students in their fourth year of veterinary school, the Veterinary Medical Externship provides a comprehensive look at the Marine Mammal Program. The veterinary staff provides on-call veterinary care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mornings are typically used for scheduled clinical procedures, veterinary medical technologies support, and rounds. Most afternoons are dedicated to sample processing, data entry, research, training, and unscheduled (urgent) procedures. Students are given the opportunity to observe and participate in all clinical activities, under the direction of the veterinary staff, as the situation permits. In addition, students are expected to select and complete a clinical project in marine mammal medicine while on-site. This externship runs 4-6 weeks. The application deadline in November 1. Click here for more information.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Student Employment Program (SSEP) is for students enrolled in a Scientific, Technical, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) course of study at an accredited institution of higher education on a temporary or term basis. Student employees will have the ability to convert to a temporary, term or permanent position upon completing degree requirements. Eligibility Students must be enrolled in a Scientific or Engineering Program leading to a Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in a STEM course of study. Those enrolled in a STEM course of study in 2-year university parallel (or equivalent) program designed specifically for transfer to a 4-year institution are eligible. Submit your Interest Submit resume, unofficial transcripts and proof of enrollment. Information will be made available for hiring manager review. If openings are available, the hiring manager will contact you directly. Background check and security clearance is required for all jobs. Minimum age is 18. Click here for more information.