IT Co-Op, Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds (Dec 2026 - June 2027) - Group 03-33

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA is seeking an IT Co-op to support computing and network infrastructure enabling advanced sensor development, integration, and field testing. You will work alongside engineers and technical staff in a mission-focused environment where reliability and security are critical.

The role offers hands-on experience in systems administration, secure computing, and operational support for advanced research initiatives, including documenting IT processes and

Qualifications

• Experience supporting desktop hardware and enterprise software applications.
• Familiarity with OS imaging tools (Kickstart, MDT) and disk encryption technologies such as BitLocker.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages (Bash, Perl, or Python).
• Exposure to IT operations in mission-critical or highly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day IT support, including troubleshooting hardware, software, and network-related issues.
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux operating systems in both desktop and lab environments.
• Assist with network configuration, user account management, and system access controls.
• Support system imaging, patching, and software license management.
• Help implement and maintain cybersecurity controls in alignment with government and Laboratory policies.
• Contribute to documentation of IT processes, configurations, and support procedures.
• Assist in maintaining reliable IT infrastructure supporting sensor development and test bed operations.

Skills

Desktop hardware support

Enterprise software applications

Scripting (Bash, Perl, Python)

IT operations in mission-critical envs

Tools

Kickstart

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit

BitLocker

Job description

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IT Co-Op, Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds (Dec 2026 - June 2027) - Group 03-33

The Advanced Sensor Systems & Test Beds group at Lincoln Laboratory develops and assesses integrated systems for defense against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and air and maritime platforms in tactical, regional, and homeland defense applications. Activities in this mission area include the investigation of system architectures, development of advanced sensor and decision support technologies, development of pathfinder prototype systems, extensive field measurements and data analysis, and the verification and assessment of deployed system capabilities. A strong emphasis is on developing innovative solutions, maturing technologies, rapidly prototyping systems, and transitioning new capabilities for operational systems to the government and government contractors.

Position Description

Group 33 – Advanced Sensor Systems and Test Beds is seeking an IT Co-op to support the computing and network infrastructure that enables advanced sensor development, integration, and field testing activities. This role provides hands-on experience in a technically rigorous, mission-focused environment where reliability, security, and performance are critical to success.

This co-op opportunity offers meaningful exposure beyond traditional IT support functions. You will work alongside engineers and technical staff supporting sophisticated sensor systems and test bed environments, gaining practical experience in systems administration, secure computing, and operational support for advanced research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day IT support, including troubleshooting hardware, software, and network-related issues.
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux operating systems in both desktop and lab environments.
• Assist with network configuration, user account management, and system access controls.
• Support system imaging, patching, and software license management.
• Help implement and maintain cybersecurity controls in alignment with government and Laboratory policies.
• Contribute to documentation of IT processes, configurations, and support procedures.
• Assist in maintaining reliable IT infrastructure supporting sensor development and test bed operations.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience supporting desktop hardware and enterprise software applications.
• Familiarity with OS imaging tools (e.g., Kickstart, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit) and disk encryption technologies such as BitLocker.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages such as Bash, Perl, or Python.
• Exposure to IT operations in mission-critical or highly regulated environments.

This role is well-suited for students seeking practical, hands‑on experience in secure IT operations while supporting advanced sensor systems and large‑scale test environments. It provides a strong technical foundation and exposure to real‑world applications that will position you well for future roles in systems administration, cybersecurity, or infrastructure engineering.

Compensation

• Technical Co-Op: $25 – $32 per hour (based on year in school)
• Administrative Co-Op: $23 – $27 per hour (based on year in school)

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.