Summer Research Program Intern , Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds; Group

Group 33 designs, builds, and operates our own sensors and test beds. We work with a wide range of technologies in a wide range of environments. Our team does design work using laptops and supercomputers; we test our designs on benchtop setups and on towers; then we deploy them in deserts, boats, on islands, mountains, balloons, and on airplanes. The data we collect and analyze will improve our understanding of national security challenges, allow us to refine our designs, or provide inspiration for new designs.

Position Description

The successful candidate will assist our team in these interconnected efforts. Assignments vary and could include working with hardware doing trade studies, designing a specific component, or testing system performance; working deep in the software building control code for a radar positioner, optimizing the speed of a specific data processing algorithm, or providing data analysis tools for a field operator; performing high-level analysis of an existing data set;

or help model a test to plan the next experiment.

A multidisciplinary team is required to both develop advanced RF sensor prototypes and analyze the resulting data produced by them. Therefore, we are looking for interns from a wide range of backgrounds, including candidates pursuing BS, MS, or PhD degrees in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other technical fields. Specific project assignments may be tailored to the interest and background of the candidate.

Position

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a program working toward a BS, MS, or PhD degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or other technical fields
• Minimum 3.5 GPA strongly desired
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience with the appropriate design and analysis tools in your area of interest. For example:
• Git version control, CI/CD, Python, C++, Julia, if interested in software
• CAD, ANSYS, FEKO, Solid Works, if interested in hardware, RF design, or electromagnetics
• Statistical analysis methods, R, Minitab, if interested in analysis
• MATLAB or Numeric/Scientific Python skills are desired

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.

Compensation:

Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2026 - December 2026 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2027. 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 completed: $38.00/hour
• MS completed: $39.00/hour
• MS + 1, one year of graduate study completed after the MS: $41.00/hour
• MS + 2, two years of graduate study completed after the MS: $42.50/hour
• MS + 3, three years of graduate study completed after the MS: $43.50/hour

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.