Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Structural & Thermal-Fluids Engineering (Group Group 07-74)

The Structural & Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group provides innovative multidisciplinary engineering solutions through the development of advanced mechanical and aerospace technologies for sea, ground, air, and space-based prototype systems for national security applications. Examples include the development of structural-material systems for spaceborne imaging and laser communication terminals, heat exchangers for high-flux laser and RF solid-state devices, and aerodynamic designs and multifunctional materials for UAV platforms. New technologies and engineering solutions are developed through high-fidelity models and multidisciplinary simulations, environmental and materials characterization testing, and advanced materials to optimize solutions to meet ever increasing performance, size, weight, and environmental challenges.

Position Description

Overview

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Group 74 is seeking a Summer Intern (approximately May through August) to support exciting projects focused on structural, thermal, and fluids engineering challenges. This position offers hands-on experience applying engineering fundamentals to solve real-world problems across aerospace and defense domains.

As an intern in this group, you’ll contribute to a variety of technical efforts that may include:

• Creating and running analysis models (finite element structural and/or thermal models, CFD models, etc)

• Running of internally-developed multidisciplinary simulation software

• Analyzing model results and generating new designs based on those results

• Structural and thermal testing and hardware integration

• Participating in the research and development of new modeling and design capabilities

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree program (Preferred majors: Mechanical Engineering, Aero/Astro, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics)

• Completed coursework in Mechanics of Materials and Thermal-Fluids (or equivalent)

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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