Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Space Systems Analysis and with Security Clearance

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

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory invites qualified students to join the Space Systems Analysis and Test Group as interns. You will work with mentors and experts to tackle challenging problems, then clearly communicate findings.

Roles vary by project, including Computational Physics, Signal Processing, and Hardware Prototyping. Selected interns pursue BS/BA/MS/PhD within 2 years in science, math, or engineering and must be able to obtain a Secret DoD clearance.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/BA/MS/PhD within 2 years in a technical field.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C++, or Java.
• Strong problem-solving and ability to communicate complex technical information.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with mentors and experts to break down and solve complex problems.
• Communicate key findings clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

Modeling & simulation

Communication

Education

BS/BA/MS/PhD in technical field

Job description

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group aims to solve our nation's most demanding space-related security challenges through validated analysis, prototyping, and field demonstrations. We provide unbiased analysis and innovative solutions that directly shape US national defense strategy.

What will you do?

Our interns are skilled scientists and engineers, eager to participate in our projects that will chart our nation's future in space. They will collaborate with their mentors and other experts throughout the lab to break down and solve complex problems then clearly communicate key findings. Interns will fill different key roles in our teams depending on our project needs. Some examples include:

• Computational Physics - Develop modeling software for in-house astrodynamics toolkits. Topics include satellite propagation, guidance laws, sensors & observations, state estimation, tracking, etc.
• Signal Processing - Design tools and pipelines to process observational data from optical, radar, and other instruments. Analyze collected data and compare to theoretical models.
• Hardware Prototyping - Design and produce developmental hardware systems and sensors. Plan and conduct measurement campaigns using prototypes in support of analysis studies.

Desired Skills

• Our staff members come from a broad range of academic backgrounds, including physics, astronomy, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. We will consider candidates that plan on completing their degree (BS/BA/MS/PhD) within 2 years in any technical field within science, math, or engineering.
• Ability to program in a technical environment (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++, Java, etc.).
• Strong technical skills, intellectual curiosity, and eagerness to tackle open-ended problems
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information to a broad audience.
• Interest in modeling and simulation.

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.