Description
Looking for a typical internship experience? Keep searching. At Leidos, we challenge our software engineering interns to roll up their sleeves and solve hard problems that others might avoid. Our mission requires fresh perspectives and innovative approaches from those who truly love to learn. We're not seeking interns who simply follow instructions-we're looking for talented developers who bring creative ideas, tackle complex challenges, and demonstrate persistence. We invest in ambitious engineers with untapped potential who can grow with us. Join us to develop your technical skills in an environment where pushing boundaries isn't just encouraged, it's expected.
The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opportunity to work as a Software Engineer Intern in our Huntsville, AL office supporting a variety of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS). The selected individual will perform software development activities as a member of an agile development team. Development includes the full range of turning agile stories into implementable concepts, through development, testing, and deployment of new capabilities in this complex system.
This position offers hands-on experience with industry-leading tools, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities to develop highly sought-after skills in AI/ML and simulation technologies. Your contributions will play a critical role in enhancing the nation's defense capabilities and addressing emerging threats in the C-UAS domain.
Primary Responsibilities
Coordinate closely with team members, Product Owners and Scrum Masters to ensure User Story alignment and implementation of modeling and simulation and AI capabilities aligned with business and customer objectives
Performing software development activities as a member of an agile development team. Development includes the full range of turning agile stories into implementable concepts, through development, testing, and deployment.
Integrate advanced modeling and simulation capabilities into existing and new C-UAS systems to improve operational effectiveness
Document software designs, algorithms, and integration processes to ensure maintainability and knowledge transfer
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of third-party software and tools into C-UAS systems
Apply machine learning techniques to optimize system performance and automate decision-making processes
Perform software development functions including design, development, troubleshooting, and debugging software programs using the Agile Scrum framework
Basic Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.
Proficiency in programming languages such as C#, C++, Java, and WPF
Fundamental background in software design patterns.
Ability to debug, troubleshoot, and isolate software issues.
Able to adapt to rapidly changing requirements and technologies in a fast-paced environment.
Must be able to develop technical solutions that require collaboration with experts, deep analyses, and understanding of impact on product/solution.
Must be US Citizen.
Must be resident of northern Alabama or be willing to relocate to Huntsville, AL area for the summer.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience building proto@types or applications (class, club, hackathon, research, or personal projects)
Experience using IDEs and software version control systems
Experience working in an Agile Scrum environment
Knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes for scalable software development
Work Location and Schedule
Huntsville, AL. Hybrid: 4 days on-site, 1 day remote per week.
8 to10-week internship, target start May 2026.
Why Leidos
Learn from a diverse team of software engineers and other professionals building mission-critical systems.
Mentorship, tech talks, and intern cohort events to accelerate your growth.
Real impact: contribute to R&D and production systems supporting customers.
How to Stand Out
Share a link to your GitHub/portfolio and briefly describe a project you're proud of (what you built, technologies used, and your role).
If team-based, clarify your individual contributions.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
March 13, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com .
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/) .
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
REQNUMBER: R-00177800
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.
