UAH hosts inaugural Engineering Expo connecting students with Alabama’s leading employers
UAH Career Services hosted the first UAH Engineering Expo on Feb. 20, 2026, giving students the opportunity to learn about area companies that provide engineering internships and jobs.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, hosted its inaugural Engineering Expo on Feb. 20 on the UAH campus, bringing together leading engineering employers, industry partners and UAH students for a hands-on exploration of engineering careers across Alabama.
Timed to coincide with National Engineers Week, the Engineering Expo highlighted UAH’s central role in preparing the next generation of engineers and its longstanding connections to North Alabama’s technology-driven economy. The event featured interactive exhibits and demonstrations from companies spanning aerospace, defense, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and advanced technologies.
The gathering marks the beginning of what is intended to become an annual signature event at UAH, with a rotating spotlight on employers and partners each year. The inaugural launch focused on building awareness, fostering connections and reinforcing UAH’s role as a hub for engineering education and workforce development in Alabama.
The Expo opened at 9:30 a.m., followed by remarks from UAH President Dr. Charles L. Karr, who underscored the university’s commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement. The event then transitioned into a browsing-style fair designed to encourage meaningful conversations between students and prospective employers.
Participating organizations included companies from across the state, such as Volkert (Mobile), North American Lighting (Shoals region), Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (Vance), Sonoco Products Group (Hartselle), TVA and multiple firms located in Cummings Research Park, including the Missile and Space Intelligence Center, Leidos, NASA and Innovation Integration, Inc.
“UAH’s location in the heart of Huntsville’s high-tech corridor gives our students unparalleled access to industry leaders and real-world engineering challenges,” says Candace Phillips, organizer of the Engineering Expo. “This event is about showcasing those connections and helping students see how what they’re learning in the classroom translates directly into impactful careers.”
In addition to corporate partners, several UAH engineering student organizations were represented, including the Space Hardware Club, the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Motorsports Club. The participation of these organizations highlighted the hands-on innovation, leadership and collaboration qualities that define the UAH engineering experience.
For more information about engineering programs at UAH, contact UAH Career Services.
