Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Fabrication Engineering Integration (Group 07-72)

Position Description

The Fabrication Engineering Division seeks a summer intern to support the integration, assembly, test, and documentation of complex prototype hardware systems. The intern will work under the guidance of fabrication engineers, technicians, designers, and project teams to help translate engineering designs into assembled prototype hardware.

The position is intended for students interested in hands-on engineering, mechanical and electromechanical systems, prototype fabrication, test operations, manufacturing processes, and systems integration. Assignments may involve components or subsystems with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluid, optical, instrumentation, or control-system interfaces, depending on program needs and the intern’s qualifications.

Primary Responsibilities

The intern may perform the following activities under appropriate supervision and in accordance with established work controls:

• Support assembly and integration of prototype hardware, fixtures, test articles, and engineering subsystems.
• Assist with interpreting engineering drawings, bills of materials, work instructions, assembly procedures, and interface-control documentation.
• Help prepare components, tools, fixtures, and work areas for fabrication, assembly, inspection, or testing.
• Participate in fit checks, tolerance verification, alignment activities, and functional checkout of hardware assemblies.
• Assist engineers and technicians in identifying mechanical, electrical, or system-interface issues during integration activities.
• Document assembly steps, configuration changes, test observations, discrepancies, and corrective actions.
• Support the development or revision of work instructions, travelers, build records, test procedures, and as-built documentation.
• Help maintain configuration control of hardware, parts, tooling, and associated technical documentation.
• Assist with data collection during prototype tests, including recording measurements, observations, photographs, and instrumentation outputs as authorized.
• Support root-cause investigations and troubleshooting efforts by organizing test data, documenting conditions, and participating in structured problem-solving activities.
• Participate in engineering design reviews, daily work planning, safety briefings, and technical meetings.
• Perform basic shop, laboratory, and equipment support tasks within the intern’s training, authorization, and supervision level.

Preferred Focus Areas

Preference may be given to candidates with demonstrated interest or experience in:

• Complex mechanical, electromechanical, or mechatronic hardware systems
• Prototype assembly and integration
• Test fixtures, experimental hardware, or laboratory equipment
• Precision fabrication, machining, welding, additive manufacturing, or composite systems
• Instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, or control systems
• Mechanical design, CAD modeling, and engineering drawing interpretation
• Manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, inspection, and configuration management
• Systems engineering and interface management

Learning Opportunities

The intern will have the opportunity to:

• Gain direct experience with engineering hardware development from design release through assembly and test.
• Learn how multidisciplinary teams manage interfaces, configuration, quality, safety, and schedule during prototype development.
• Build practical skills in technical documentation, measurement, troubleshooting, and structured problem solving.
• Observe or support fabrication processes, prototype testing, and engineering design reviews.
• Receive mentorship from experienced engineers, technicians, machinists, and project personnel.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, industrial engineering, engineering technology, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education by the start of the internship.
• Demonstrated interest in hands-on engineering, fabrication, laboratory work, or prototype development.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, work instructions, drawings, and safety requirements.
• Basic familiarity with engineering tools, measurement methods, laboratory practices, or fabrication processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers, technicians, machinists, and other technical personnel.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and handle technical information responsibly.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or equivalent.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, or assembly instructions.
• Experience with hand tools, measurement tools, machine-shop equipment, electronics workbenches, or laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with tolerancing, dimensional inspection, metrology, or quality-control practices.
• Exposure to prototype test activities, instrumentation, data acquisition, or troubleshooting.
• Experience participating in student design teams, robotics, vehicle projects, maker spaces, research laboratories, or engineering competitions.
• Familiarity with configuration management, revision control, bills of materials, or change documentation.
• Coursework or experience in mechanics, manufacturing processes, machine design, materials, electronics, controls, or systems integration.

Expected Deliverables

Depending on the assigned project, the intern may be expected to produce or contribute to:

• Completed assembly, inspection, or test tasks documented in accordance with approved work instructions.
• Updated build records, travelers, test logs, or as-built documentation.
• Documentation of hardware interfaces, integration issues, discrepancy reports, or recommended corrective actions.
• Draft or revised assembly procedures, work instructions, fixture concepts, or test-support documentation.
• A final technical summary or presentation describing the work performed, lessons learned, and recommended next steps.

Safety, Security, and Compliance Expectations

Work in fabrication and prototype environments requires strict adherence to applicable organizational requirements. The intern will be expected to:

• Complete required safety, security, and work-control training before performing assigned tasks.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow laboratory, shop, and facility safety procedures.
• Operate tools, equipment, and test systems only when trained, authorized, and appropriately supervised.
• Follow configuration-control, quality-assurance, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Protect proprietary, sensitive, controlled, export-controlled, or otherwise restricted technical information.
• Use only approved systems and storage locations for project data, photographs, technical documentation, and communications.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, damage, process deviations, or unexpected test results to the assigned supervisor or technical mentor.

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.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program at: https://www.ll.mit.edu/careers/student-opportunities/summer-research-program

Compensation

Hourly pay 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