Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Integrated Missile Defense Technology (Group 03-36)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Relocation stipend

Shuttle transportation

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks graduate-level summer interns for the Integrated Missile Defense Technology Group. Interns contribute to challenging projects tied to national security, pairing with technical staff to apply their STEM knowledge to real-world defense problems.

Successful applicants are pursuing a MS or PhD in relevant fields and may engage in hands-on research, mentorship, and professional development activities, including workshops, tech talks, and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

• The successful candidates will be pursuing a MS or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a similar STEM degree.
• Competencies desired in C++, C, MATLAB, Python, radar, IR, RF, autonomous systems, control theory, AI/ML, data structures, algorithms, signal processing, and sensor fusion.

Responsibilities

• Interns will be partnered with technical staff to work on challenging projects related to missile defense technology.
• Interns will engage in hands-on research, mentorship, and professional development opportunities including workshops and tech talks.

Skills

C++

C

MATLAB

Python

Radar

Autonomous systems

Machine learning

Data structures

Algorithms

Signal processing

Sensor fusion

Education

MS or PhD in Applied Mathematics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++ development

Job description

Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Integrated Missile Defense Technology (Group 03-36)

The Integrated Missile Defense Technology Group performs analysis and develops technology to defend America, our military personnel, and our allies from missile, air, and drone threats. We support the U.S. Armed Services and the Missile Defense Agency in developing, testing, and improving the defense systems that keep us safe.

Our goal is straightforward - stay ahead of rapidly evolving worldwide threats. We do this by:

• Identifying critical needs– We analyze emerging missile and drone threats from around the world to identify critically needed defenses
• Developing solutions – Our team creates new technologies, designs systems, and develop algorithms that advance modern defense capabilities
• Prototyping and testing – We build prototypes, partner with government and industry to transition them into operational systems, and support testing at every scale—from small laboratory experiments to large-scale field demonstrations
• Deploying capabilities – We transition new technologies to operational systems that defend against actual threats

From the initial spark of an idea to integration into a fully operational defense system, our team members are driven to innovate and to have impact.If you're looking to make a real difference in national security and work on some of the most challenging technical problems of our time, this is the team for you.

Position Description

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

The successful candidates will be pursuing a MS or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a similar STEM degree.

Competencies desired in any combination of the following areas: C++, C, MATLAB, Python, physics, applied math, engineering, computer science, radar, infrared, IR, RF, autonomous systems, control systems theory, artificial intelligence, machine learning, 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 2026 – December 2026 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2027. 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.