Engineering Intern

Mission Driven Research (MDR) is seeking talented and motivated college students to join our 2026 Summer Internship Program. Interns will help design, build, and test next-generation autonomous systems that push the boundaries of what uncrewed platforms can do.

You'll work side-by-side with experienced engineers on a hands-on prototype effort that could span air, land, sea, or the electromagnetic spectrum.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a small, cross-disciplinary team developing real hardware and software for field testing - not mockups. You'll gain experience in the full design cycle from concept to demo, and see your work fly, drive, or dive before summer ends.

• Collaborate on the design, fabrication, and testing of autonomous vehicle prototypes.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical, electrical, software, and systems elements into a cohesive platform.
• Support development of control systems, sensors, and embedded or real-time software.
• Contribute to simulation, modeling, and data analysis for vehicle performance and autonomy.
• Participate in hands-on assembly, bench testing, and field demonstrations.
• Document your designs and present progress to the engineering team.

• Current enrollment in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, Software, or Systems Engineering (or related STEM) program.
• At least two years of college coursework completed by Summer 2026.
• Strong technical foundation in your discipline and a passion for autonomous systems, robotics, or vehicle design.
• Experience in one or more of the following is a plus: CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, ROS 2, embedded systems, or control theory, soldering and circuit design, 3d printing.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a self-starter and growth mindsets.

At MDR, we believe the best engineers learn by doing. Our internship program provides mentorship, technical training, and the freedom to experiment and innovate. We foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative environment where each intern's contribution has a real impact on the future of autonomous systems.

Internship selections will be made around March 2026.
Applicants must be available to work in-person in Huntsville for the duration of the internship.

Position: Engineering Intern (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Software, or Systems)
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Duration: Summer 2026
Hours: Full-time, 20-40 hours per week (40 hours preferred)
Compensation: $15 - $20 per hour

Mission Driven Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are interested in applying for employment with Mission Driven Research and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, please contact us by email (hr@missiondrivenresearch.com) or by phone by calling (256) 299-9288. When contacting us, please provide your contact information and state the nature of your accessibility issue.