Leidos is seeking an intern to work on a materials science-based project for an internal research and development project. This intern will work alongside highly trained scientists within Leidos and with external collaborators.
Primary Responsibilities
Building optical systems to test materials, performing testing of materials, along with the processing of data generated. A written summary report must be prepared at the end of the testing period. This report may result in publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
The position may require short periods of regional travel within the US.
Basic Qualifications
Must be enrolled in a current degree program in physics, optics, or related engineering.
Candidate should be familiar with basic optics.
Applicant must be able to regularly work in an optics lab in Huntsville, AL.
This position is expected to be 20hr/wk.
Potential employee should be comfortable communicating technical work both orally and written, to subject matter experts and nontechnical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with basic experimental optics.
Experience in setting up lab equipment for optical and quantum experiments.
Experience in laser safety.
Expertise in optical systems is not required but basic familiarity with optics is preferred.
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.
May 26, 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 $40,300.00 - $72,850.00
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.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
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