MIT Lincoln Laboratory, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a United States Federally-Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) chartered to apply advanced technology to problems of national security.
The Laboratory provides technical expertise and system prototyping to the U.S. Government in domains ranging from cybersecurity to novel radar design to advanced microelectronics and more.
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The Systems and Architectures Group provides technical analysis to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to inform senior leaders and guide technology development in defense of the nation, allies, and deployed forces with an emphasis on air, missile, and maritime defense.
This systems analysis often includes exploring novel and challenging defense problems, assessing current and future U.S. capabilities through modeling and simulation, and identifying opportunities for next-generation technologies.
A key focus of the Group is putting technical analysis into its appropriate context and explaining the relevant details at a level appropriate to the goals and backgrounds of a variety of audiences.
Through these presentations, the Group has had an out-sized impact on prototyping programs and government investment strategies, and has delivered high-level reports and briefings to Congressional committees and senior DoD leaders.
We also collaborate closely with other Groups across the Laboratory as well as with other laboratories both inside and outside the government.
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Position Description
The Group is seeking summer interns to contribute to multidisciplinary teams carrying out high-visibility studies involving many aspects of defensive systems, including sensors (e.g., radar, infrared, etc.), platforms (e.g., undersea, airborne, space-based, etc.), and algorithms (e.g., for detection, tracking, identification, etc.).
Tasks are likely to include system modeling, development of simulation tools, data analysis, and identifying key technologies and performance trades.
Interns will also get extensive coaching and experience on presenting their technical results to a wide spectrum of audiences.
Specific project assignments may be tailored to the interest and background of the candidate.
Interns will also get extensive coaching and experience on presenting their technical results to a wide spectrum of audiences.
Specific project assignments may be tailored to the interest and background of the candidate.
Project Examples:
Qualifications:
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.
Compensation
Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2025 – December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.