Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Space Surveillance Systems (Group 09-92)

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

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group in Lexington, MA invites a Summer Research Program Intern for 2027 to help design, build, and test the next generation of radar systems for space surveillance.

The role may involve radar system analysis, RF test and measurement, data analysis, software development and testing, signal processing, and algorithm development, with compensation by hourly rates.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an engineering, computer science, physics, or related program.
• At least 2 years of coursework completed by employment start.
• Open to undergraduate, master's, or PhD levels.

Responsibilities

• Assist design, build, and test next-generation radar systems for space surveillance.
• Perform radar system analysis and RF test and measurement.
• Conduct data analysis, software development and testing, signal processing, and algorithm development.

Skills

Signal processing

Machine learning

Software development

Radar systems

Orbital dynamics

Antenna theory

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

Enrollment in Engineering/CS/Physics degree program

Two years of coursework completed

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Job description

Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Space Surveillance Systems (Group 09-92)

Date: Oct 6, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The nation's satellites perform important civil, scientific, and national defense functions such as navigation, communications, weather forecasting, astronomical observations, and surveillance. As space becomes increasingly congested and contested, maintaining awareness of all man-made objects around the Earth is critical for ensuring the safe and effective operation of U.S. satellites. The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group develops and operates sensors and resilient space systems critical to maintaining this awareness of the space domain.

Summer 2027 opportunities are available at MIT Lincoln Laboratory's main campus in Lexington, MA, where we design, support, and operate some of the world's most exquisite radar and optical systems.

Job Description

The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group is seeking a summer intern to help design, build, and test the next generation of advanced radar systems for space surveillance in support of national security. Assignments may require radar system analysis, RF test and measurement, data analysis, software development and testing, signal processing, and algorithm development.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a degree program in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or other relevant technical field.
  • Completion of at least 2 years of coursework at time of employment
  • All degree levels considered (undergraduate, Master's, PhD)
• Coursework / experience with at least one of the following areas:
  • Signal processing and algorithm development, including ML / AI techniques
  • Software development (C/C++)
  • Radar systems analysis
  • Orbital dynamics and space systems analysis
  • Antenna, RF / microwave theory and testing techniques
  • Data analysis using scientific programming languages (MATLAB, Python, or similar)

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.