Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Interceptor and Sensor Technology (Group 03-38)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Relocation payment

Complimentary shuttle

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is offering a Summer Research Program Intern position in the Interceptor and Sensor Technology Group in Lexington, MA. Interns will work on space systems, hypersonic vehicles, and optical sensor technologies alongside experienced researchers.

The program emphasizes hands-on research, mentorship, and professional development, with opportunities across algorithm development, phenomenology modeling, and sensor performance analysis.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science/Engineering or closely related field.
• Programming ability in MATLAB and C++ or similar is desirable.
• Interest in space, hypersonic, rocket, or optical sensor technology projects.

Responsibilities

• Engage in hands-on research on space, airborne, hypersonic, or optical sensor projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on algorithm development and sensor analysis.
• Contribute to real-world national security challenges through data analysis and modeling.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in CS/Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Interceptor and Sensor Technology (Group 03-38)

Date: Sep 24, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Are you ready to take your summer internship to the next level? Join the Interceptor and Sensor Technology Group and work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of technology and defense. As a summer intern, you'll collaborate with our dynamic and innovative teams on thrilling projects including space systems, airborne platforms, hypersonic vehicles, rockets, navigation guidance and control, and optical sensor technology.

Imagine being part of a multidisciplinary team that develops advanced sensor capabilities, designs hypersonic vehicles, and analyzes space missions. You'll get hands-on experience with real research that directly impacts national-level technology and defense programs. From prototyping cutting-edge electro-optical sensors and creating innovative algorithms to conducting hands-on laboratory testing and phenomenology, your work will be both exciting and meaningful. Or join our analysis teams to dive into immersive mission simulations and modeling, participate in real-world field and flight tests, and uncover valuable insights through in-depth data analysis and exploitation.

This is your chance to engage in real-world projects, gain invaluable experience, and make a tangible impact. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to work on the forefront of technology and defense. and be part of something truly extraordinary.

Position Description

The Interceptor and Sensors Technology Group seeks summer interns to work with our dynamic and innovative teams on creative and exciting space, airborne, hypersonic, rocket, control, and optical technology projects. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team developing capabilities to support advanced sensor, hypersonic, or space vehicle design and analysis projects. Project opportunities will vary among advanced algorithm development, phenomenology modeling and exploitation, modeling of sensor performance, guidance algorithms, real-time algorithm and signal processing, and experimentation with optical systems.

Project Examples

• Analysis
  • Analyze performance and feasibility of a new rocket booster or hypersonic vehicle
  • Analyze flight times/trajectory design of a new rocket booster or hypersonic vehicle
  • Perform space sensor concept orbit analysis or earth imaging sensor analysis
• Hardware/Field Testing
  • Work with mentor or team on novel hardware concept that could be carried on a sounding balloon or cubesat
  • Work with one of our sensor systems in our laboratory spaces to characterize capability
• Algorithm Development
  • Work with simulated and/or real data and applying image recognition AI or other novel algorithms to various potential missions
  • Work with simulated and/or real vehicle orbital or hypersonic trajectory data developing novel flight, or guidance and control algorithms

Candidate should be pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD. in Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aero/Astro Engineering or similar. Programming ability in Matlab, C++ or similar is desirable.

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.

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: 43336

Nearest Major Market: Boston

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