Airborne Radar Systems and Techniques Intern (Summer 2027) - Group 105

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic team as a Summer Intern who will also serve as a Teaching Assistant in our Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) outreach program for the Unmanned Aerial Systems Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAS-SAR) course. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside our experienced staff to enhance and deliver the UAS-SAR course to a new cohort of students for 2027. We're particularly interested in high performing course alumni who are looking to grow in the areas of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and who are interested in applying their skills and passions as a teaching assistant. You will serve as a Teaching Assistant for 6 weeks of the summer on MIT’s campus supporting BWSI. Additionally, depending on availability before or after BWSI, this position offers project opportunities at Lincoln Laboratory where you can see what our course instructors do day-to-day in the Airborne Radar Systems and Techniques group.

In the Airborne Radar Systems and Techniques group, we prototype radar and imaging sensors for wide-area surveillance, and work to mature algorithms to detect small objects in challenging environments. Projects typically involve a mix of hardware and software development, as well as algorithm design. Teams work together to understand foundational physical principles, design and build one-of-a-kind sensor systems, architect and execute flight test data collections, develop and integrate novel processing techniques, and explore advanced countermeasures that degrade sensor performance. Staff projects typically partner across the Department of Defense to transition work onto platforms that operate around the globe and perform impactful and relevant missions. 

Position Responsibilities

• Assist instructors as a Teaching Assistant for the BWSI UAS-SAR course.
• Guide students while they learn course material, implement project components, and debug their implementations through testing.
• Work with instructors to enhance existing course materials.
• Continue to build hands-on experience in analyzing radar data, extracting insights, and improving system performance.
• Build your teaching skills while working with students on their course projects.
• Enhance your technical and professional communication skills while working with the course team, students, and radar engineers.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with BWSI UAS-SAR course materials through attendance as a student or assisting within the last 5 years.
• 18 or older by 1 June 2027
• Enrolling in an undergraduate degree program for Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Enthusiasm for all things radar: digital signal processing techniques, image processing, machine learning, RF hardware, UAVs, remote sensing, etc.
• Basic programming skills Python.
• Demonstrated effective problem-solving skills, a collaborative mindset, and strong communication abilities.
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn, innovate, lead, and contribute to a dynamic team environment.

Join us in an intellectually stimulating environment where you'll have the opportunity to apply your expertise to real-world challenges in radar signal processing. We value differences and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you're ready to join a team with a passion for pushing the boundaries of radar technology, we'd love to hear from you!

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.

• Freshman (BS expected May/June 2030): $25.00/hour
• Sophomore (BS expected May/June 2029): $27.00/hour
• Junior (BS expected May/June 2028): $29.00/hour
• Senior (5-year BS program, completed 4 years by May/June 2027): $32.00/hour
• Bachelor’s degree completed in 2027: $34.50/hour
• BS + 1 (BS completed May/June 2026, 1st year of MS in 2026–27): $36.50/hour
• BS + 2 (BS completed May/June 2025, 2nd year of MS in 2026–27, degree not yet conferred): $38.00/hour
• MS (Master’s degree expected May/June 2027): $39.00/hour
• MS + 1 (MS completed May/June 2026, 1st year of PhD in 2026–27): $41.00/hour
• MS + 2 (MS completed May/June 2025, 2nd year of PhD in 2026–27): $42.50/hour
• MS + 3 (MS completed May/June 2024, 3rd year of PhD in 2026–27): $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.

Requisition ID: 43154