Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Fabrication Engineering Integration (Group 07-72)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory • Lexington, MA

2d • $25 - $44

About The Position

The Fabrication Engineering Division seeks a summer intern to support the integration, assembly, testing, and documentation of complex prototype hardware systems. Under the guidance of fabrication engineers, technicians, designers, and project teams, the intern will help translate engineering designs into assembled prototype hardware. Assignments may involve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluid, optical, instrumentation, or control-system interfaces, depending on program needs and the intern’s qualifications.

The role is intended for students interested in hands-on engineering, mechanical and electromechanical systems, prototype fabrication, test operations, manufacturing processes, and systems integration. The intern may assist with prototype assembly, inspections, functional checkout, testing, troubleshooting, and technical documentation while following established work controls and safety requirements.

The Summer Research Program provides hands-on research experience addressing national security challenges, mentorship, and professional development through workshops, tech talks, and networking events. Internships typically last 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, usually from May through early August. Housing support may be available to 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 between Boston-based housing and the Lab.

Hourly compensation depends on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship starts, ranging from $25.00 to $43.50 per hour. Selected candidates 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

• Current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, industrial engineering, engineering technology, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education by the start of the internship.
• Demonstrated interest in hands-on engineering, fabrication, laboratory work, or prototype development.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, work instructions, drawings, and safety requirements.
• Basic familiarity with engineering tools, measurement methods, laboratory practices, or fabrication processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers, technicians, machinists, and other technical personnel.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and handle technical information responsibly.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• Interest or experience in complex mechanical, electromechanical, or mechatronic hardware systems.
• Interest or experience in prototype assembly and integration.
• Interest or experience with test fixtures, experimental hardware, or laboratory equipment.
• Interest or experience in precision fabrication, machining, welding, additive manufacturing, or composite systems.
• Interest or experience in instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, or control systems.
• Interest or experience in mechanical design, CAD modeling, and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Interest or experience in manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, inspection, and configuration management.
• Interest or experience in systems engineering and interface management.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or equivalent.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, or assembly instructions.
• Experience with hand tools, measurement tools, machine-shop equipment, electronics workbenches, or laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with tolerancing, dimensional inspection, metrology, or quality-control practices.
• Exposure to prototype test activities, instrumentation, data acquisition, or troubleshooting.
• Experience participating in student design teams, robotics, vehicle projects, maker spaces, research laboratories, or engineering competitions.
• Familiarity with configuration management, revision control, bills of materials, or change documentation.
• Coursework or experience in mechanics, manufacturing processes, machine design, materials, electronics, controls, or systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Support assembly and integration of prototype hardware, fixtures, test articles, and engineering subsystems.
• Assist with interpreting engineering drawings, bills of materials, work instructions, assembly procedures, and interface-control documentation.
• Help prepare components, tools, fixtures, and work areas for fabrication, assembly, inspection, or testing.
• Participate in fit checks, tolerance verification, alignment activities, and functional checkout of hardware assemblies.
• Assist engineers and technicians in identifying mechanical, electrical, or system-interface issues during integration activities.
• Document assembly steps, configuration changes, test observations, discrepancies, and corrective actions.
• Support the development or revision of work instructions, travelers, build records, test procedures, and as-built documentation.
• Help maintain configuration control of hardware, parts, tooling, and associated technical documentation.
• Assist with authorized data collection during prototype tests, including recording measurements, observations, photographs, and instrumentation outputs.
• Support root-cause investigations and troubleshooting by organizing test data, documenting conditions, and participating in structured problem-solving activities.
• Participate in engineering design reviews, daily work planning, safety briefings, and technical meetings.
• Perform basic shop, laboratory, and equipment support tasks within the intern’s training, authorization, and supervision level.
• Complete required safety, security, and work-control training before performing assigned tasks.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow laboratory, shop, and facility safety procedures.
• Operate tools, equipment, and test systems only when trained, authorized, and appropriately supervised.
• Follow configuration-control, quality-assurance, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Protect proprietary, sensitive, controlled, export-controlled, or otherwise restricted technical information, and use only approved systems and storage locations for project data and communications.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, damage, process deviations, or unexpected test results to the assigned supervisor or technical mentor.

Benefits

• Hands-on research experience and 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