Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Advanced Concepts and Technologies (Group 03-39)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Shuttle transportation

Relocation stipend

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory invites undergraduates and graduates to join the Summer Research Program Intern 2027 in Advanced Concepts and Technologies. Interns work on challenging projects related to national security, paired with Laboratory staff for teamwork and mentorship across imaging, RF systems, AI/ML, and sensor development.

Internships last 10–12 weeks with flexible start/end dates, housing support for eligible non-local interns, and a one-time taxable relocation payment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS or MS in STEM fields.
• Strong programming skills (C++, MATLAB, Python).
• Interest in national security research and applied math.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to SRP projects in imaging, RF, sensors, and AI/ML.
• Collaborate with Laboratory staff and mentors on hands-on research.
• Support modeling, design, and data analysis tasks.

Skills

C++

C

MATLAB

Python

Signal processing

Embedded systems

Algorithms

AI/ML

Education

BS in Engineering/CS/Math

Tools

RF systems

Job description

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Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Advanced Concepts and Technologies (Group 03-39)

The Advanced Concepts & Technologies Group is looking for candidates who are excited to work on challenging problems in national security and join our team. The group develops technology to protect our deployed sailors, soldiers, and assets against advanced threats, while enabling operations in complex maritime environments. The group’s research and development activities include concepts design, advanced algorithms development, software and hardware prototyping, experimental field-testing, and data analysis. Of particular interest to the group is the development of advanced electronic warfare systems prototypes, advanced sensors prototypes, novel signal processing algorithms, optimization for resource allocation, and artificial intelligence to enable the development of next generation systems for fleet and surface assets defense.

Due to the wide-ranging nature of research, this dynamic group is comprised of a team of scientists and engineers with expertise in physics, mathematics, computer science, and various engineering backgrounds. The group fosters mentoring at all levels, and promotes critical and innovative thinking. The candidate will be part of a highly collaborative team that thrives in solving complex challenges, fosters innovation, supports career growth, and is dedicated to making a positive impact in our nation.

Job Overview

The group seeks undergraduate or graduate level summer interns to contribute to a number of challenging projects related to our mission. Interns will be partnered with Laboratory staff as they work on projects related to the group’s technical areas. Projects may be worked on individually or in teams depending on the skills of the candidates.

Project Examples:

• Develop infrared and visible imaging systems with object detection image processing
• Design and build RF systems including antenna, receiver and data acquisition
• Apply AI/ML for implementation into ‘serious gaming’
• Develop models for various sensor systems

The successful candidates will be pursuing a BS in Engineering, Software, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or a similar STEM degrees.

Competencies desired in any combination of the following areas: C++, C, MATLAB, Python, physics, applied math, engineering, computer science, radar, infrared, IR, RF, artificial intelligence, machine learning, control and dynamical systems theory, embedded systems, real-time software, data structures, algorithms, signal processing, signal analysis, formal methods, neural nets, and sensor fusion.

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 2027 – December 2027. Rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

• Freshman year completed: $25.50/hour
• Sophomore year completed: $27.50/hour
• Junior year completed: $29.50/hour
• 4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.50/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.