Quantum Information Science Graduate Intern

Leidos•Huntsville, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a graduate intern to work on quantum mechanics-based sensing and communications projects for a military customer starting as soon as possible. This intern will work alongside highly trained scientists to develop prototype systems for customer demonstrations. Primary Responsibilities Responsibilities will include building and testing optical systems, along with the creation of any code needed to operate these systems and the processing of data generated. The position may require short periods of travel within the US. Basic Qualifications Must be enrolled in a Masters, JD or PhD degree program in physics, optics, or related engineering. Must be located in Huntsville, AL to regularly work in an optics lab. Must be able to work 20 hours per week. Candidate should be familiar with basic optics. Potential employee should be comfortable communicating technical work, both orally and written, to subject matter experts and non-technical audiences. Holding a security clearance is not required, but ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance is a must. Must be a US Citizen. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with Python, Matlab, Mathematica, LabVIEW, C#, or any optical modeling program. 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. At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.” If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in. Original Posting: January 8, 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: Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00 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 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 47,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenue of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. For more information visit www.Leidos.com. Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [email protected]. Commitment and Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a Masters, JD or PhD degree program in physics, optics, or related engineering.
Must be located in Huntsville, AL to regularly work in an optics lab.
Must be able to work 20 hours per week.
Candidate should be familiar with basic optics.
Potential employee should be comfortable communicating technical work, both orally and written, to subject matter experts and non-technical audiences.
Holding a security clearance is not required, but ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance is a must.
Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Python, Matlab, Mathematica, LabVIEW, C#, or any optical modeling program.
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.