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

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.

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