Wireless Communications Modeling & Simulation Intern

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE Corporation in Virginia is seeking an energized student for a summer internship focused on wireless research. You will help study 5G/6G radio propagation and ISAC concepts, configuring simulations in Python with ns-3 and analyzing results to support national security research efforts.

You will work on-site five days a week, collaborating with the Advanced Wireless & SATCOM Department, and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge modeling, data analysis, and technical reporting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
• Completed introductory technical coursework in signals and systems, signal processing, wireless communications, electromagnetics, or similar quantitative subjects.
• Foundational experience reading, writing, or modifying simple code in Python or another programming language through coursework, projects, or research.
• Ability to run engineering software tools and interpret basic numerical results, plots, or simulation outputs.
• Availability to work full-time, on-site at the assigned MITRE office 5 days a week during the summer internship.

Responsibilities

• Support research on 5G/6G radio propagation and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), including reflections and scattering from moving objects such as unmanned aircraft.
• Configure and run repeatable wireless simulation scenarios using Python and tools such as ns-3, with guidance from research staff.
• Analyze and visualize modeled propagation paths, channel behavior, received signal characteristics, and performance across scenarios.
• Help troubleshoot simulation setups, document models and assumptions, and improve repeatability of analysis workflows.
• Summarize results in clear plots, short reports, and briefings, and participate in technical discussions and peer review.

Skills

Python basics

Data interpretation

Communication of results

Education

BS or MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

ns-3

MATLAB

Linux

Git

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

MITRE's Advanced Wireless & SATCOM Department delivers communications engineering, wireless networking, SATCOM, and technical analysis expertise for national security missions. The team researches and evaluates emerging wireless capabilities through modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, and engineering assessments to help sponsors make informed technical decisions.

Job Responsibilities

• Support research on 5G/6G radio propagation and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), including reflections and scattering from moving objects such as unmanned aircraft.
• Configure and run repeatable wireless simulation scenarios using Python and tools such as ns-3, with guidance from research staff.
• Analyze and visualize modeled propagation paths, channel behavior, received signal characteristics, and performance across scenarios.
• Help troubleshoot simulation setups, document models and assumptions, and improve repeatability of analysis workflows.
• Summarize results in clear plots, short reports, and briefings, and participate in technical discussions and peer review.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
• Completed introductory technical coursework in signals and systems, signal processing, wireless communications, electromagnetics, or similar quantitative subjects.
• Foundational experience reading, writing, or modifying simple code in Python or another programming language through coursework, projects, or research.
• Ability to run engineering software tools and interpret basic numerical results, plots, or simulation outputs.
• Availability to work full-time, on-site at the assigned MITRE office 5 days a week during the summer internship

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework, independent projects, or research involving RF propagation, wireless channels, signal processing, or sensing.
• Exposure to ns-3, MATLAB, or comparable modeling and simulation tools; prior expertise is not required.
• Familiarity with Linux, Python data-analysis libraries, or basic version-control and software-development practices.
• Basic understanding of computer networking and wireless protocols, with an interest in learning how network and physical-layer effects interact.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, willingness to learn, and ability to explain technical work clearly to others.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

None

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$46,500 - $58,000 - $69,500 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE’s employment process, please email [e-mail] for general support and [e-mail] for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.

Benefits information may be found here.

Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.