Optical & Quantum Communications Intern (Summer 2027) - Group 67

Mid-State Communications & Electronics, Inc.; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 124,645,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Relocation stipend

Daily shuttle transportation

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is offering an Optical & Quantum Communications Summer Research Program internship in Lexington, MA. Enrolled students from CS, EE, ME, Aero/Astro, or Math will work on advanced laser communications research alongside leading scientists and engineers.

The 10–12 week internship includes mentorship, workshops, and networking events, with housing support and relocation assistance for eligible non-local interns.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a degree program (Undergrad, Masters, or PhD) with focus in CS, EE, ME, Aero/Astro, or Math.
• Candidates should have coursework or experience in systems engineering, circuits, optics, and DSP.
• Eligible for security clearance and able to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Engage in hands-on research in optical and quantum communications.
• Work with mentors and peers to develop and test real-world laser communication systems.
• Present findings and participate in professional development events during the SRP program.

Skills

Systems engineering

Digital circuit design

Analog circuit development

Laser communications

Optics

Digital signal processing

Control systems

Education

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Aero/Astro

Mathematics

Tools

None

Job description

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Optical & Quantum Communications Intern (Summer 2027) - Group 67

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Optical & Quantum Communications Intern (Summer 2027) - Group 67

Date: Aug 19, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Optical & Quantum Communications Group develops advanced laser communications technology for use in a wide range of challenging environments including terrestrial, space and underwater applications. Primary areas of research include the development of sensitive, single-photon detector arrays, coherent modems, integrated photonic circuits, and novel modulation and coding approaches. Using these technologies, the group conducts research and development for a wide range of space, airborne, and terrestrial system applications, including terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-s satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware, and next-generation beam-director prototypes inherently scalable to deep-space systems. The group has also initiated new research efforts into extending the range and utility of extremely photon-starved undersea communication transceivers and entanglement-based quantum communication networks.

Job Description:

Requirements:

Currently enrolled in a degree program (Preferred majors: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aero/Astro, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics). All degree levels (Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD) are welcome to apply.

Candidates will have prior experience and/or course work in any of the following areas: systems engineering, digital and analog circuit development, laser communications, optics, modulation and coding techniques, digital signal processing and/or control systems.

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.

Compensation:

Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2026 - December 2026 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2027.

Freshman $25.00 $52,000
Sophomore $27.00 $56,160
Jr. $29.00 $60,320
Sr. (no deg) $32.00 $66,560
BS $34.50 $71,760
BS + 1 $36.50 $75,920
BS + 2 $38.00 $79,040
MS $39.00 $81,120
MS + 1 $41.00 $85,280
MS + 2 $42.50 $88,400
MS + 3 $43.50 $90,480

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.

Requisition ID:43180

Nearest Major Market: Boston
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