Summer Research Program 2027, Graphic Artist Intern, ISR Systems & Architectures (Group 10-01)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Complimentary daily shuttle

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a Summer Research Program Graphic Artist Intern for 2027 in the ISR Systems and Architectures group in Lexington, MA. The role focuses on turning technical material into clear, compelling visuals, including graphs, layouts, and scenario illustrations, while learning the lab’s graphic style and asset management workflows.

You will work onsite with mentorship, delivering assets for technical staff and interns and developing practical communication skills in a

Qualifications

• Must still be a student (undergraduate or graduate) through Fall 2027.
• Competence in Adobe Illustrator and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated skill in the visual communication of ideas and messages.
• Ability to collaborate or work independently.
• A balance of creativity and pragmatism.

Responsibilities

• Create and format graphical content for technical staff and interns.
• Translate scientific work into accessible visuals, including layouts, typography, and data graphs.
• Follow established workflows, manage assets, and meet deadlines; learn group style and design systems.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

PowerPoint

Graphic design

Visual communication

Education

Student status (ongoing studies)

Job description

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Summer Research Program 2027, Graphic Artist Intern, ISR Systems & Architectures (Group 10-01)

The ISR Systems and Architectures group performs analysis and experimentation to develop concepts for filling critical gaps in U.S. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This work includes evaluating mission needs by considering future operational scenarios, and developing options for addressing these needs through advanced technologies and novel system concepts. Studies within the group can cover a broad range of technical areas, including advanced sensor systems, new platforms, communications, navigation solutions, and data exploitation approaches. The analyses performed by the group can lead to experimental test campaigns to collect data to verify modeling results and have also generated opportunities for hardware and software prototyping at Lincoln Laboratory. The analysis topics and questions are typically posed by senior leaders in the Air Force and the work for the group is briefed out widely to help inform critical decisions and impact future acquisitions.

Position Description

The Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Architectures Group is seeking a summer intern to work on graphics for projects related to the modeling and analysis of ISR and tactical systems.

The graphic artist intern works on illustrative and graphic content for technical staff and technical interns in the ISR Systems and Architectures group. This work entails taking scientific and technical work and putting it in a format that is easier to understand when presented; ranging from layout design and typography, to representing data in the form of graphs, to illustrating scenarios that are taking place in different geographical landscapes. The intern will be responsible for following established workflows and managing deadlines. They will learn the Lincoln Laboratory and ISR Systems and Architectures Group’s graphic style, how to effectively manage assets, and work with the group.

The intern will have assignments-based training on the job with regular mentorship, as well as opportunities to work and network with other graphic artists at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. The intern will also receive guidance in other important practical skills, such as communication (with scientists, technical researchers, and peers).

The intern will work onsite and will work closely with a supervisor from the Group’s graphics team. Office space, a laptop, and relevant design software are provided. No permanent position is available at the conclusion of this internship, although candidates may be considered for available positions with an official application.

The successful intern will be a student (undergraduate, graduate certificate, master’s degree or PhD candidate) with a focus in scientific and educational graphics and communication. Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft PowerPoint is required.

Requirements

Qualifications for Internship

• Must still be a student (undergraduate or graduate) through Fall 2027
• Competence in Adobe Illustrator and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated skill in the visual communication of ideas and messages
• Ability to collaborate or work independently
• A balance of creativity and pragmatism

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.

Hourly pay rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hour
Sophomore year completed: $27.00/hour
Junior year completed: $29.00/hour
4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hour
Bachelors completed: $34.50/hour
Bachelors + 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hour
Bachelors + 2, two years of graduate study completed: $38.00/hour
MS completed: $39.00/hour
MS + 1, one year of graduate study completed after the MS: $41.00/hour
MS + 2, two years of graduate study completed after the MS: $42.50/hour
MS + 3, three years of graduate study completed after the MS: $43.50/hour

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.