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MIT Lincoln Laboratory, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a United States Federally-Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) chartered to apply advanced technology to problems of national security. The Laboratory provides technical expertise and system prototyping to the U.S. Government in domains ranging from cybersecurity to novel radar design to advanced microelectronics and more. http://www.ll.mit.edu

The Systems and Architectures Group provides technical analysis to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to inform senior leaders and guide technology development in defense of the nation, allies, and deployed forces with an emphasis on air, missile, and maritime defense. This systems analysis often includes exploring novel and challenging defense problems, assessing current and future U.S. capabilities through modeling and simulation, and identifying opportunities for next-generation technologies. A key focus of the Group is putting technical analysis into its appropriate context and explaining the relevant details at a level appropriate to the goals and backgrounds of a variety of audiences. Through these presentations, the Group has had an out-sized impact on prototyping programs and government investment strategies, and has delivered high-level reports and briefings to Congressional committees and senior DoD leaders. We also collaborate closely with other Groups across the Laboratory as well as with other laboratories both inside and outside the government. https://www.ll.mit.edu/r-d/air-missile-and-maritime-defense-technology/systems-and-architectures

Position Description

The Group is seeking summer interns to contribute to multidisciplinary teams carrying out high-visibility studies involving many aspects of defensive systems, including sensors (e.g., radar, infrared, etc.), platforms (e.g., undersea, airborne, space-based, etc.), and algorithms (e.g., for detection, tracking, identification, etc.). Tasks are likely to include system modeling, development of simulation tools, data analysis, and identifying key technologies and performance trades. Interns will also get extensive coaching and experience on presenting their technical results to a wide spectrum of audiences. Specific project assignments may be tailored to the interest and background of the candidate.

Project Examples:

+ Analysis of conventional and deep learning approaches to object tracking

+ Weapon-to-target assignment algorithm development for integrated defense architectures

+ Exploring coordinated scheduling of commercial space assets

+ Assessment of EO / IR sensors on a drone in adverse weather conditions

Qualifications:

+ Currently enrolled in a program working towards a BS, MS, or PhD degree in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or other technical fields

+ Programming ability in MATLAB or Python 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 below are effective January 2025 – December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.

+ Freshman (BS expected May/June 2029): $24.50/hour

+ Sophomore (BS expected May/June 2028): $26.00/hour

+ Junior (BS expected May/June 2027): $28.00/hour

+ Senior (5-year BS program, completed 4 years by May/June 2026): $31.00/hour

+ Bachelor’s degree completed in 2026: $34.50/hour

+ BS + 1 (BS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of MS in 2025–26): $36.00/hour

+ BS + 2 (BS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of MS in 2025–26, degree not yet conferred): $37.50/hour

+ MS (Master’s degree expected May/June 2026): $38.00/hour

+ MS + 1 (MS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of PhD in 2025–26): $40.50/hour

+ MS + 2 (MS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of PhD in 2025–26): $42.00/hour

+ MS + 3 (MS completed May/June 2023, 3rd year of PhD in 2025–26): $43.00/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.

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