Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Fabrication Engineering Integration (Group 07-72)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); Presencial; USD 34.000 - 59.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Housing support

Discounted university housing

Relocation assistance

Complimentary shuttle transportation

Descripción de la vacante

MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Summer Research Program Internship in Fabrication Engineering Integration seeks a hands-on student to assist in assembly, integration, testing, and documentation of complex prototype hardware. You will work under fabrication engineers, technicians, and project teams to translate designs into assembled hardware.

Ideal candidates are pursuing mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering, with a year of post‑secondary study, strong attention to detail, and a

Formación

• Currently enrolled in an accredited engineering program (ME, EE, or related)
• Completion of at least one year of post‑secondary education by internship start
• Demonstrated interest in hands‑on engineering and prototype development
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, drawings, and safety requirements
• Basic familiarity with engineering tools and fabrication processes
• Ability to work effectively in a team with engineers, technicians, machinists
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and written communication

Responsabilidades

• Assist with assembling, integrating, and testing prototype hardware under supervision
• Interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, work instructions, and interface-control documents
• Prepare components, tools, fixtures, and work areas for fabrication, assembly, inspection, or testing
• Support fit checks, tolerance verification, alignment activities, and functional checkout of assemblies
• Identify mechanical, electrical, or system‑interface issues during integration
• Document assembly steps, configuration changes, test observations, discrepancies, and corrective actions
• Maintain/build records, travelers, test procedures, and as‑built documentation
• Support data collection during prototype tests and organize test data

Conocimientos

Hands-on engineering

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Written communication

Educación

Undergraduate or graduate engineering program

Post-secondary education completed ≥1 year

Herramientas

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

Autodesk Inventor

Fusion 360

Descripción del empleo

Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Fabrication Engineering Integration (Group 07-72)

The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and test of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. Examples include the precision machining of fiber mounts for airborne high energy laser systems, multi-functional structures using additive processes for ground-based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space-borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and 5-axis machining. The group concentrates on high-complexity parts, quick-turn capabilities and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams. Core PCB capabilities include design for manufacturability (DFM), automated solder paste dispensers, precise pick-n-place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Assembly, integration, and test capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group focuses on state-of-practice prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, exceptional collaboration and outstanding operation.

Position Description

The Fabrication Engineering Division seeks a summer intern to support the integration, assembly, test, and documentation of complex prototype hardware systems. The intern will work under the guidance of fabrication engineers, technicians, designers, and project teams to help translate engineering designs into assembled prototype hardware.

The position is intended for students interested in hands‑on engineering, mechanical and electromechanical systems, prototype fabrication, test operations, manufacturing processes, and systems integration. Assignments may involve components or subsystems with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluid, optical, instrumentation, or control‑system interfaces, depending on program needs and the intern’s qualifications.

Primary Responsibilities

The intern may perform the following activities under appropriate supervision and in accordance with established work controls:

• Support assembly and integration of prototype hardware, fixtures, test articles, and engineering subsystems.
• Assist with interpreting engineering drawings, bills of materials, work instructions, assembly procedures, and interface‑control documentation.
• Help prepare components, tools, fixtures, and work areas for fabrication, assembly, inspection, or testing.
• Participate in fit checks, tolerance verification, alignment activities, and functional checkout of hardware assemblies.
• Assist engineers and technicians in identifying mechanical, electrical, or system‑interface issues during integration activities.
• Document assembly steps, configuration changes, test observations, discrepancies, and corrective actions.
• Support the development or revision of work instructions, travelers, build records, test procedures, and as‑built documentation.
• Help maintain configuration control of hardware, parts, tooling, and associated technical documentation.
• Assist with data collection during prototype tests, including recording measurements, observations, photographs, and instrumentation outputs as authorized.
• Support root‑cause investigations and troubleshooting efforts by organizing test data, documenting conditions, and participating in structured problem‑solving activities.
• Participate in engineering design reviews, daily work planning, safety briefings, and technical meetings.
• Perform basic shop, laboratory, and equipment support tasks within the intern’s training, authorization, and supervision level.

Preferred Focus Areas

Preference may be given to candidates with demonstrated interest or experience in:

• Complex mechanical, electromechanical, or mechatronic hardware systems
• Prototype assembly and integration
• Test fixtures, experimental hardware, or laboratory equipment
• Precision fabrication, machining, welding, additive manufacturing, or composite systems
• Instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, or control systems
• Mechanical design, CAD modeling, and engineering drawing interpretation
• Manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, inspection, and configuration management
• Systems engineering and interface management

The intern will have the opportunity to:

• Gain direct experience with engineering hardware development from design release through assembly and test.
• Learn how multidisciplinary teams manage interfaces, configuration, quality, safety, and schedule during prototype development.
• Build practical skills in technical documentation, measurement, troubleshooting, and structured problem solving.
• Observe or support fabrication processes, prototype testing, and engineering design reviews.
• Receive mentorship from experienced engineers, technicians, machinists, and project personnel.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, industrial engineering, engineering technology, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Completion of at least one year of post‑secondary education by the start of the internship.
• Demonstrated interest in hands‑on engineering, fabrication, laboratory work, or prototype development.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, work instructions, drawings, and safety requirements.
• Basic familiarity with engineering tools, measurement methods, laboratory practices, or fabrication processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers, technicians, machinists, and other technical personnel.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and handle technical information responsibly.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or equivalent.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, or assembly instructions.
• Experience with hand tools, measurement tools, machine‑shop equipment, electronics workbenches, or laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with tolerancing, dimensional inspection, metrology, or quality‑control practices.
• Exposure to prototype test activities, instrumentation, data acquisition, or troubleshooting.
• Experience participating in student design teams, robotics, vehicle projects, maker spaces, research laboratories, or engineering competitions.
• Familiarity with configuration management, revision control, bills of materials, or change documentation.
• Coursework or experience in mechanics, manufacturing processes, machine design, materials, electronics, controls, or systems integration.

Depending on the assigned project, the intern may be expected to produce or contribute to:

• Completed assembly, inspection, or test tasks documented in accordance with approved work instructions.
• Updated build records, travelers, test logs, or as‑built documentation.
• Documentation of hardware interfaces, integration issues, discrepancy reports, or recommended corrective actions.
• Draft or revised assembly procedures, work instructions, fixture concepts, or test‑support documentation.
• A final technical summary or presentation describing the work performed, lessons learned, and recommended next steps.

Safety, Security, and Compliance Expectations

Work in fabrication and prototype environments requires strict adherence to applicable organizational requirements. The intern will be expected to:

• Complete required safety, security, and work‑control training before performing assigned tasks.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow laboratory, shop, and facility safety procedures.
• Operate tools, equipment, and test systems only when trained, authorized, and appropriately supervised.
• Follow configuration‑control, quality‑assurance, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Protect proprietary, sensitive, controlled, export‑controlled, or otherwise restricted technical information.
• Use only approved systems and storage locations for project data, photographs, technical documentation, and communications.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, damage, process deviations, or unexpected test results to the assigned supervisor or technical mentor.

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.