Leidos is seeking a Space Payloads Signal Processing Intern to support advanced space sensors processing under the Space BA of the Defense Sector for the Summer of 2026 in San Diego, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to develop algorithms that will be used on a constellation of operational satellites for hypersonic missile detection and tracking. You’ll work with algorithm developers to enhance the state of the art in background clutter suppression (image registration) and payload calibration, enabling greater payload sensitivity and more accurate target state estimation.
Primary Responsibilities:
Collaborate with a team of algorithm developers.
Analyze simulated datasets using Matlab.
Enhance your data processing and analysis skills.
Learn how a sequence of algorithms can be used to start with uncalibrated images and result in accurate target tracks with extremely dim intensities.
Basic Qualifications:
Must be currently enrolled and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related fields.
Advanced analytical skills.
Highly motivated and self-directed learner.
U.S. Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications:
Matlab or Python scripting experience.
Ability to analyze published scientific articles.
Experience with image processing.
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.
April 1, 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 $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.
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.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
