Summer Research Program Intern , Lincoln Space Surveillance Complex; Group

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The nation’s satellites perform important civil, scientific, and national defense functions such as navigation, communications, weather forecasting, astronomical observations, and surveillance. As space becomes increasingly congested and contested, maintaining awareness of all man-made objects around the Earth is critical for ensuring the safe and effective operation of U.S. satellites. The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group develops and operates sensors and resilient space systems critical to maintaining this awareness of the space domain.

Summer 2027 opportunities are available at the Lincoln Space Surveillance Complex (LSSC) in Westford, MA which hosts some of the world’s most exquisite radar systems.

The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group is seeking a summer intern to help design, build, and test the next generation of advanced radar systems for space surveillance in support of national security.

Assignments may require radar system analysis, RF test and measurement, mechanical design, software development and testing, signal processing and algorithm development, embedded systems development, and data analysis.

• Current enrollment in a degree program in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or other relevant technical field.
  • Completion of at least 2 years of coursework at time of employment
  • All degree levels considered (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD)
• Coursework / experience with at least one of the following areas:
  • Mechanical design, analysis, and CAD modeling
  • Antenna, RF / microwave theory and testing techniques
  • Software development (C/C++)
  • Laboratory instrumentation (power supplies, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.)
  • Data analysis using scientific programming languages (MATLAB, Python, or similar)

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 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.