Group 06-67 | SRP Intern | Optical & Quantum Communications | Summer 2026

The Optical & Quantum Communications Group develops advanced laser communications technology for use in a wide range of challenging environments including terrestrial, space and underwater applications. Primary areas of research include the development of sensitive, single-photon detector arrays, coherent modems, integrated photonic circuits, and novel modulation and coding approaches. Using these technologies, the group conducts research and development for a wide range of space, airborne, and terrestrial system applications, including terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-s satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware, and next-generation beam-director prototypes inherently scalable to deep-space systems. The group has also initiated new research efforts into extending the range and utility of extremely photon-starved undersea communication transceivers and entanglement-based quantum communication networks.

Job Description:
Overview:

The Optical Communications Technology Group develops advanced laser and quantum communications technology for use in a wide range of challenging environments including terrestrial, space and underwater applications. As a student intern in this group, you will participate in research that impacts a wide range of space, airborne, or terrestrial laser communications systems. Examples of potential projects include working on technologies such as coherent modems, integrated photonics, modulation and coding approaches, lasercom terminal development, FPGA development for pointing, acquisition and tracking, software development for lasercom terminals, quantum entanglement, quantum memory, single-photon detector arrays, photon-starved undersea communication terminals, deep space (Mars or Uranus) lasercom missions, and others.

Requirements:

Currently enrolled in a degree program (Preferred majors: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aero/Astro, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics). All degree levels (Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD) are welcome .

Candidates will have prior experience and/or course work in any of the following areas: systems engineering, digital and analog circuit development, laser communications, optics, modulation and coding techniques, digital signal processing and/or control systems.

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: 42272