Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Air Traffic Control Systems (Group 04-43)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Relocation stipend

Daily shuttle transportation

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers a Summer Research Program Internship in the Air Traffic Control Systems Group for 2027. You will join a product development team, design algorithms, and build real‑time software while pursuing a BS or MS in a technical field.

Candidates gain mentorship, attend workshops, and may receive housing support and relocation assistance. The program runs 10–12 weeks with flexible start/end dates, typically May through early August, and pays hourly rates based on academic

Qualifications

• Experience in software development (Python, C/C++, Java).
• Experience in Machine Learning is required.
• Experience in Cloud computing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement algorithms for aviation weather and decision support.
• Engineer real‑time systems and test components.
• Document software and contribute to development processes.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

Machine Learning

Cloud computing

Education

BS or MS in CS / Math / EE / Aeronautical Eng / Meteorology

Job description

Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Air Traffic Control Systems (Group 04-43)

Date: Sep 28, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Air Traffic Control (ATC) System Group develops and deploys advanced technologies to enable safe, efficient & secure transportation systems. Focus areas include advanced weather sensing and forecasting systems; ATC decision support systems; system architectures and cybersecurity; and transportation systems evolution, including uncrewed and autonomous systems and commercial space launches. The Group has broad expertise which permits end-to-end advanced technology development and prototyping in all these areas, as well as the agility to respond to emerging threats and opportunities, such as pandemic impacts and recovery. Extensive field evaluations and simulation studies are employed to elicit user needs, ensure user acceptance and to enable the successful transition of new technologies into operational use. Key accomplishments of the Group include the development of the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar, and deployment of a host of decision support systems at numerous ATC facilities in the United States and beyond. The Brand New ATC System is an emerging near-term opportunity.

Position Description

The Air Traffic Control and Weather Systems Group is developing a range of advanced aviation weather and decision support technologies to improve air transportation safety, efficiency, and cyber‑resiliency. Current activities include a suite of decision support tools for NAV CANADA, the FAA NextGen Weather Processor, Offshore Precipitation Capability, and Traffic Flow Impact systems, a replacement for the Airport Surveillance Radar Weather Systems Processor (WSP), and Zero Trust technology development.

Summer interns will participate on a product development team and support multiple aspects of the project including designing and implementing algorithms, engineering real‑time systems, testing components, and documenting software.

Candidates will be pursuing a BS or MS degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Meteorology or other technical field. Experience in software development (Python, C/C++, Java), Machine Learning required. Experience in Cloud computing desired.

Summer Research Program Overview

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.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program at: https://www.ll.mit.edu/careers/student-opportunities/summer-research-program

Compensation

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.

Requisition ID: 43351

Nearest Major Market: Boston

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