Systems Engineering Intern

Leidos in Arlington, VA is seeking a Systems Engineer (SE) Intern for a Fall 2026 Internship.

The successful candidate will work with our engineering and production teams as we develop and produce cutting-edge solutions to challenging defense-related problems.  

As an intern, you will work with experienced engineers in a hands-on environment which offers the opportunity to work on real-world SE challenges. You will apply what you have already learned while gaining additional skills and knowledge as you work under the direction (mentorship) of a more senior SE.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Works under supervision on complex projects/ assignments.
• Solves routine technical problems following SE concepts and best practices and develops SE products.
• Communicates with teammates with an understanding of SE principles, theories, and concepts.
• Develops products, solutions, processes using basic principles, theories, and concepts within own technical specialty.

Basic Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled at an accredited college/university pursuing a degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field.  
• Understanding of SE concepts including requirements analysis/management, architecture definition, modeling and system decomposition, system integration, SE documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration and communication skills working in teams.
• Eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance (US Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active SECRET Clearance.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools, preferably CAMEO.
• Experience with modeling and system performance analysis a plus.
• Experience related to Mechanical or Thermal analysis a plus.
• Enthusiasm and an interest in contributing to projects that are important to national defense.

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:

April 2, 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.