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 prototypes 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

Pay Range:

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.