Laser Communications Intern (Summer 2027) - Group 66

MIT Lincoln Laboratory, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a United States Department of Defense research and development center chartered to apply advanced technology to problems of national security. The Laboratory provides technical expertise to the US government in domains ranging from cybersecurity to novel radar design to advanced microelectronics, and more. http://www.ll.mit.edu.

The Laser Communications Group develops, builds, tests, and operates laser communications systems for a variety of applications and environments. Lasercom offers dramatically increased data rates and enhanced physical security relative to standard radio frequency-based communications systems. The Group has expertise in communications; optics; electro-optics; optical turbulence mitigation; precise pointing control systems; embedded systems; command, control, and telemetry; test set design and fabrication; data analysis; modeling; and simulation.

Position Responsibilities

The Summer Intern will contribute to efforts as part of a Lasercom prototype build program, and will take ownership of a technical project to be completed and presented by the end of the internship term.

Specific responsibilities will vary based on the current needs of the Group and active programs, as well as the Summer Intern’s technical background and interests. Potential areas of work include software development, embedded systems design, control systems development, fiber optics and photonics, and data analysis.

Experience in the following areas is required

• Candidate for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate level degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related field

• Experience working in an fiber optic/photonics laboratory environment

• Ability to quickly learn new technical areas and apply that knowledge effectively to solve challenging mission problems

• Demonstrated excellent communication skills. The ability to articulate solutions to engineers in other disciplines who possess little understanding of software and/or electronic systems

• Either: Proficiency with embedded systems, control, digital and analog circuit design and testing or proficiency with C/C++, Python, or similar language

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired

• Background in signal processing for real systems and model-based simulations

• Background in Linux real-time operating systems

• Strong understanding of software interfaces with hardware peripherals and serial data interfaces

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.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program at: https://www.ll.mit.edu/careers/student-opportunities/summer-research-program

Compensation

Hourly pay rates are effective through December 2026 and will be reviewed for Summer 2027. Rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hourSophomore year completed: $27.00/hourJunior year completed: $29.00/hour4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hourBachelors completed: $34.50/hourBachelors + 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hourBachelors + 2, two years of graduate study completed: $38.00/hourMS completed: $39.00/hourMS + 1, one year of graduate study completed after the MS: $41.00/hourMS + 2, two years of graduate study completed after the MS: $42.50/hourMS + 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.

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