CO-OP Student (Security Services Department) (January-June 2025)

Who are we?

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) whose mission is research in support of National Security.

• Mission - The Security Services Department’s (SSD) overall mission is to create an innovative security architecture to accelerate the business of research. SSD is driving business transformation and innovation through the development and implementation of security products, services and solutions. 
• Culture – We foster an inclusive, opportunity-filled environment of empowered team members from diverse backgrounds.

What will you do?

Join a team of security professionals that are driven to solve complex security problems in collaboration with Security leadership and staff. The six (6) month Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) experience provides a real-world opportunity for cooperative educational program students to gain exposure to the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). Students learn requirements set forth by the Department of Defense (DoD) to access and protect sensitive and classified government information. Assignments are structured around a robust rotational schedule that allows the student to work alongside security professionals and become familiar with each of the functional areas of the Security Services Department: Cyber Security (supporting the Forensics Analysis Center), Physical Security & Emergency Management, Security Audit & Compliance, Mission Security, Strategy & Project Management and Investigations & Threat Assessment.

You will participate in strategic security projects that focus on various topics: clearance processing and other personnel security actions, computer forensic examinations, cyber threat intelligence, database maintenance, and emergency preparedness/risk management and mitigation.

The knowledge, skills and abilities you must possess include:

• Enrollment in an accredited bachelor's/master's degree program in Criminal Justice or similar field
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to interface with a variety of security professionals
• Strong organizational, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Applicants are subject to a pre-employment investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including compartmented programs
• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a government DoD security clearance

How will you grow?

You will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, thrive and belong.

• Leadership: Opportunity to create, manage and improve work processes.
• Growth Opportunities: Exposure to industrial security functions through several rotations with focus on hands-on learning.  
• Education/Training: Mentorship, in-house and external courses.
• Exposure: Engagement with stakeholders, Department leadership and other Departments and Divisions.
• Community: Participation is encouraged for Laboratory social events, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), clubs and study groups, volunteering and community service projects.

What you need:

To work with MITLL, all employees must meet certain basic requirements.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Successfully pass a background check.
• Ability to be on-site 5 days a week

Ideally, you will have:

The Laboratory values experiences from diverse backgrounds and occupations. The most successful candidates will have the following skills and qualifications.

• A positive and team-focused mentality: We are looking for highly motivated individuals to join a fast-paced and mission-oriented team.
• Valued competencies: Interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.  
• Computer skills: Proficiency in business software: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Office.   
• Flexibility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with proven ability to multi-task

Work hours: 8:30am-5:00pm
Location:  MIT Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, MA