Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds (Group 03-33)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory • Lexington, MA

8d • $25 - $44

About The Position

Group 33 designs, builds, and operates sensors and test beds using a wide range of technologies and working environments. The team designs using laptops and supercomputers, tests designs on benchtop setups and towers, and deploys them in locations including deserts, boats, islands, mountains, balloons, and airplanes. The collected and analyzed data supports understanding national security challenges, refining designs, and inspiring new designs.

The intern will assist with these efforts. Assignments may include hardware trade studies, component design, or system performance testing; software development such as radar positioner control code, data-processing algorithm optimization, or tools for field operators; analysis of existing datasets; and modeling tests to plan experiments. Project assignments may be tailored to the intern’s interests and background. The work supports development of advanced RF sensor prototypes and analysis of the resulting data.

The Summer Research Program gives students an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges alongside scientists and engineers. Interns participate in hands-on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities such as workshops, tech talks, and networking events. Internships typically last 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, generally from May through early August. Eligible non-local interns may receive housing support, including access to discounted university housing in Boston and a one-time taxable relocation payment. Complimentary daily shuttle transportation is provided between Boston-based housing and the Lab.

Compensation is hourly and varies according to the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship begins. The listed rates are effective January 2026 through December 2026 and will be reviewed for Summer 2027. Selected candidates must complete a pre-employment background investigation and be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a program working toward a BS, MS, or PhD degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or another technical field.
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with appropriate design and analysis tools in the candidate’s area of interest.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum 3.5 GPA is strongly desired.
• For software interests: experience with Git version control, CI/CD, Python, C++, or Julia.
• For hardware, RF design, or electromagnetics interests: experience with CAD, ANSYS, FEKO, or SolidWorks.
• For analysis interests: experience with statistical analysis methods, R, or Minitab.
• For experimental work interests: experience operating test equipment, troubleshooting, and reading equipment schematics.
• MATLAB or Numeric/Scientific Python skills are desired.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of advanced RF sensor prototypes and analysis of the resulting data.
• Depending on assignment, conduct hardware trade studies, design components, or test system performance.
• Depending on assignment, build software such as radar positioner control code, optimize data-processing algorithms, or create data analysis tools for field operators.
• Perform high-level analysis of existing datasets.
• Help model tests to plan future experiments.

Benefits

• Dedicated mentorship.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, tech talks, and networking events.
• Housing support for eligible non-local interns, including access to discounted university housing in Boston.
• One-time taxable relocation payment for eligible non-local interns.
• Complimentary daily shuttle transportation from Boston-based housing to and from the Lab.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed