Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Advanced Electro-Optical Systems (Group 09-99)
About The Position
The Advanced Electro-Optical Systems Group seeks curious, self-driven students interested in learning, exploration, and solving complex problems. Summer interns work alongside experienced engineers and scientists on real-world research, rapid prototyping, and operational system support with national-security impact. Example projects include optimizing image-processing algorithms for novel space-based systems; implementing FPGA-based data serialization and laser modulation solutions; prototyping sensorless brushless DC motor-control algorithms for precision pointing; building high-fidelity software simulations for stellar-imaging systems; investigating 3D scene-reconstruction techniques for space imagery; and modeling reflectivity metrics for space materials. Internships are typically 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, generally from May through early August. Interns receive hands-on research experience, dedicated mentorship, and professional development opportunities such as workshops, tech talks, and networking events. 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. Hourly compensation rates listed are effective January 2026 through December 2026 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2027. Rates depend on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship begins, ranging from $25.00 per hour for completion of freshman year to $43.50 per hour for completion of MS plus three years of graduate study. The selected candidate will undergo a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a degree program in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study, or equivalent experience, by the time of employment.
- Have relevant coursework, interest, and experience in at least one relevant area: optics, space systems, orbital mechanics, image processing, control theory, signal processing, dynamic system modeling, robotics, microcontroller and embedded-system development, digital and analog circuit design, serial communication protocols, real-time operating systems, or software development.
- Familiarity with C/C++, MATLAB, Python, or other scientific programming languages.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must undergo a pre-employment background investigation.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside engineers and scientists on real-world research, rapid prototyping, and operational system support.
- Contribute to research projects that address national-security challenges.
- Potentially optimize image-processing algorithms for space-based systems.
- Potentially implement FPGA-based data serialization and laser modulation solutions.
- Potentially prototype sensorless brushless DC motor-control algorithms for precision pointing.
- Potentially build software simulations for stellar-imaging systems.
- Potentially investigate 3D scene-reconstruction techniques for space imagery.
- Potentially model reflectivity metrics for space materials.
Benefits
- Dedicated mentorship and 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 and a one-time taxable relocation payment.
- Complimentary daily shuttle transportation between Boston-based housing and the Lab.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
