The International Space Station has been operating continuously since 2000. That’s over 25 years of service, but it’s also 25 years of technological advancement. With plans to decommission the ISS, NASA is supporting the development of commercially owned and operated space stations in low Earth orbit from which the agency, along with other customers, can purchase services and stimulate the growth of commercial activities in microgravity (Commercial LEO Destination program).

Starlab Space is developing a next-generation, AI-enabled commercial space station, aiming to ensure continued human presence in low-Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research alongside the retirement of the International Space Station. Starlab has selected Leidos to lead Starlab’s U.S.-based assembly, integration and testing (AI&T) activities for the commercial space station. Leidos is seeking a talented Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer to support the CLD program as a hardware design Engineer (Summer 2026 Internship).

As a core member of the team, you will play a valuable part in supporting and executing the CLD program for Starlab. You will be required to support multiple tasks in parallel, productively contribute to team environments, and communicate effectively with management, coworkers, and customers. You must also be self-motivated and highly organized with a focus on generating high quality products that exceed stakeholders’ expectations. This is a dynamic opportunity supporting the Mechanical Design team in which talented engineers can thrive working alongside senior engineers on a diverse array of multidisciplinary projects in the space systems arena.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support engineering design and integration activities for aspects of Starlab systems
• Develop conceptual CAD models and produce engineering drawings for vehicle hardware, Production Support Equipment (PSE), Ground Support Equipment (GSE), or specialty test equipment
• Work collaboratively with project team(s) to formulate innovative solutions to complex problems and products across a broad range of applications.
• Support project team(s) across multiple disciplines with the completion of document deliverables
• Develop and execute design trade studies for the Starlab program
• Support design for manufacturability analysis

Basic Qualifications

• Position requires candidates to be capable of performing in a collaborative engineering environment working closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Applicant must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET accredited college or university
• Applicant must be a US Citizen.
• Applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Ability to perform physical work such as lifting up to 30-lbs.
• Knowledge of and ability to use common hand tools.
• Applicant must be willing to work in-office in Huntsville, AL
• Ability to track multiple tasks and prioritize work independently
• Self-motivation and quick learner to adapt to the broad array of subjects and issues encountered
• Experience with CAD software
• Experience with Microsoft suite of office software(PowerPoint, Word, & Excel)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PTC Creo or SolidWorks CAD software
• Experience with reading and drafting 2D engineering drawings per ASME Y14.1
• Basic understanding of GD&T
• Able to interpret static stress analysis plots and graphs
• Desire to solve complex technical problems and learn from a team of experienced engineers

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:

February 5, 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.