Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Laser Technology & Applications (Group 08-82)

When NASA made history in 2013 with the longest laser communication link ever demonstrated (from a Moon-orbiting satellite to Earth), our group was behind the satellite's laser transmitter and the ground terminals' highly sensitive photon detectors that enabled the link. We have a long history of developing advanced solid-state, fiber, and diode laser technologies for the scientific and defense communities. Recently, our lasers have been key to enabling cutting-edge ladar systems that can map terrain with greater accuracy and area coverage rates, providing much needed capabilities in disaster relief efforts, such as the disaster mapping of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017. We are also creating cryogenic-laser-based illuminators for airborne sensors that can detect and track fast-moving objects with highly dynamic platform motion. Finally, we've led the laser community in developing beam-combining techniques for high-energy laser systems. Using these techniques, our fiber laser systems have demonstrated record-breaking levels of beam brightness and near-ideal beam quality.

Position Description

Want to do research like Leonard in “The Big Bang Theory” or make lasers you thought only George Lucas could dream up? We have several opportunities to work on various aspects of high-power lasers for military systems. From power and heat management systems to laser physics and optics, we have a large multi-disciplinary team that is always looking for interns and engineers to join our R&D program. This team is not only leading the state-of-the-art in high-power beam-combined lasers but is also pushing the size, weight, and power consumption of these systems down to demonstrate hardware suitable for lightweight military systems. It’s fulfilling to say “I’m a laser scientist!”

Successful candidates will be pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and have an interest in lasers or photonics.

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 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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