Summer Research Program Intern , Interceptor and Sensor Technology; Group

Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Interceptor and Sensor Technology (Group 03-38)

Date:
Sep 24, 2026

Location:

Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Are you ready to take your summer internship to the next level? Join the Interceptor and Sensor Technology Group and work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of technology and defense. As a summer intern, you'll collaborate with our dynamic and innovative teams on thrilling projects including space systems, airborne platforms, hypersonic vehicles, rockets, navigation guidance and control, and optical sensor technology.

Imagine being part of a multidisciplinary team that develops advanced sensor capabilities, designs hypersonic vehicles, and analyzes space missions. You'll get hands-on experience with real research that directly impacts national-level technology and defense programs. From prototyping cutting-edge electro-optical sensors and creating innovative algorithms to conducting hands-on laboratory testing and phenomenology, your work will be both exciting and meaningful. Or join our analysis teams to dive into immersive mission simulations and modeling, participate in real-world field and flight tests, and uncover valuable insights through in-depth data analysis and exploitation.

This is your chance to engage in real-world projects, gain invaluable experience, and make a tangible impact. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to work on the forefront of technology and defense. and be part of something truly extraordinary.

The Interceptor and Sensors Technology Group seeks summer interns to work with our dynamic and innovative teams on creative and exciting space, airborne, hypersonic, rocket, control, and optical technology projects. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team developing capabilities to support advanced sensor, hypersonic, or space vehicle design and analysis projects. Project opportunities will vary among advanced algorithm development, phenomenology modeling and exploitation, modeling of sensor performance, guidance algorithms, real-time algorithm and signal processing, and experimentation with optical systems.

• Analysis
  • Analyze performance and feasibility of a new rocket booster or hypersonic vehicle
  • Analyze flight times/trajectory design of a new rocket booster or hypersonic vehicle
  • Perform space sensor concept orbit analysis or earth imaging sensor analysis
• Hardware/Field Testing
  • Work with mentor or team on novel hardware concept that could be carried on a sounding balloon or cubesat
  • Work with one of our sensor systems in our laboratory spaces to characterize capability
• Algorithm Development
  • Work with simulated and/or real data and applying image recognition AI or other novel algorithms to various potential missions
  • Work with simulated and/or real vehicle orbital or hypersonic trajectory data developing novel flight, or guidance and control algorithms

Candidate should be pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD. in Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aero/Astro Engineering or similar. Programming ability in Matlab, C++ or similar is desirable.

The Summer Research Program offers students the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges while working alongside leading scientists and engineers. As an SRP intern, you'll engage in hands‑on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities including workshops, tech talks, and networking events-all while building connections within a vibrant community of peers.

• Internships are typically 10-12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, typically May through early August.
• Housing support is available for eligible non-local interns, including access to discounted university housing in Boston and a one-time taxable relocation payment.
• Complimentary daily shuttle transportation is provided from Boston-based housing to and from the Lab.

Hourly pay rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hour

Sophomore year completed: $27.00/hour

Junior year completed: $29.00/hour

4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hour

Bachelors completed: $34.50/hour

Bachelors + 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hour

Bachelors + 2, two years of graduate study…