Group 07-76 | SRP Intern | Control & Autonomous Systems Engineering | Summer 2026

Overview

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, located at the vibrant nexus of academia, industry, and government, we are renowned for our groundbreaking solutions to some of the nation’s most intricate and complex challenges. Within the Engineering Division, our team collaborates extensively—not only within the Laboratory but also across the MIT campus—bridging a myriad of disciplines to innovate through robust analysis, design, prototyping, and testing.

Our team culture is energized by a group of talented professionals who bring a rich mix of skills and experiences to the table. We champion a balanced approach to work and life, promoting productivity through flexible schedules and hybrid work arrangements.

The Control and Autonomous Systems Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is at the forefront of research and development in autonomy. Our projects range from theoretical research to the actual deployment of systems in oceanic, terrestrial, aerial, and space environments. We are looking for innovative thinkers who are eager to drive advancements in autonomous systems and robotics. If you are ready to contribute to cutting-edge research and development within a multidisciplinary team, MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers a dynamic and supportive environment for you to thrive.

Position Description

Under the direction of MIT Lincoln Laboratory technical staff , the summer intern will participate in various aspects of autonomous systems development, including the design, development, and test of software algorithms and hardware prototypes. Projects may include pointing and stabilization of space optical payloads, small satellite state estimation and control, precision navigation of autonomous aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles, coordination of teams of heterogeneous unmanned systems, and basic research pursuing efficient human-robot interaction and teaming.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field such as Electrical, Mechanical or Robotics Engineering or Physics, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics. Course work or hands-on research experience with controls, robotics, computer vision and/or machine learning is a desired.

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:

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:  42410