Group 95 | SRP Intern | Space Systems Analysis and Test | Summer 2026

We predict and evaluate the potential impact of threats to space capabilities and develop, analyze, and test novel solutions to ensure the United States' continued use of space for communications, navigation, Earth observation, and other civil and military purposes. The introduction of constellations composed of hundreds, or even thousands, of small satellites and the growing number of commercial launch providers present new challenges to operating in space. To provide senior government leadership with assessments on and possible solutions to these emerging threats, our staff build physics-based models and simulations, develop and test new concepts and prototype systems, and collect measurements with state-of-the-art sensors. Our mission-focused analyses fuse knowledge from a wide variety of subject areas, including RF and optical systems, orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, signal and image processing, and propulsion. 

Position Description

This position will work with the optical field site team to perform a variety of projects and daily tasks. Projects can include integrating and testing new camera systems on telescopes, developing and implementing image processing algorithms, contributing to the development and optimization of automation processes, and collaborating on software development projects related to data acquisition and remote sensing senor data analysis. The team will work with the candidate to find projects that are suitable and meaningful to both the student and the optical field site team.  Daily tasks include participating in data collection and analysis, documenting project progress and results, and preparing and delivering a final presentation.

Operating systems and software used include Python, C++, MATLAB, and various image processing tools.

Position Requirements

Applicants should be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

This is a 100% in-person position. Reliable personal transport is required as work will be done at the optical field site located in Westford, MA.

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 2025 – December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.

• Freshman (BS expected May/June 2029): $24.50/hour
• Sophomore (BS expected May/June 2028): $26.00/hour
• Junior (BS expected May/June 2027): $28.00/hour
• Senior (5-year BS program, completed 4 years by May/June 2026): $31.00/hour
• Bachelor’s degree completed in 2026: $34.50/hour
• BS + 1 (BS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of MS in 2025–26): $36.00/hour
• BS + 2 (BS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of MS in 2025–26, degree not yet conferred): $37.50/hour
• MS (Master’s degree expected May/June 2026): $38.00/hour
• MS + 1 (MS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of PhD in 2025–26): $40.50/hour
• MS + 2 (MS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of PhD in 2025–26): $42.00/hour
• MS + 3 (MS completed May/June 2023, 3rd year of PhD in 2025–26): $43.00/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.

Requisition ID: 42381