Job Description

The  at Lincoln Laboratory is made up of security architects, software developers, hardware and electrical engineers, cryptographers, computer scientists, and systems analysts, who share a common passion for solving the hardest technical problems in national security. We pursue innovative, high-impact, practical research in small, focused teams. We succeed by being involved in all R&D phases, including problem analysis and innovative solution design, system architecture, rapid prototyping and field-testing, and ultimately transfer of our technology to DoD, Intelligence Community, and other government sponsors, as well as to industry. Being part of MIT, we also collaborate closely with academia and publish our research in top-tier venues.

If you would like to spend your summer pursuing your passion for cutting-edge research and working on things that truly matter at a place that combines problems of pressing national importance with MIT’s culture of academic excellence, abundance of resources, and superior work-life balance, apply here to learn more.

Position Description

We offer multiple exciting internship opportunities for students passionate about secure software and embedded systems engineering, security system research, and applied cryptography.

As a summer research intern, you will help develop advanced technologies to ensure the security and resiliency of next-generation mission-critical systems. These may include cyber-physical systems (e.g., drones and satellites) and pure cyber systems (e.g., operating systems and privacy-preserving technologies).

You will be mentored by a staff member and join a team to conduct research and development in one of the focus areas. Interns will actively participate in the group’s activities, including educational and social events.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing a BS (junior year or later preferred), MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Knowledge or experience in  one or more of the following areas:

• Computer security, operating systems security, and virtualization
• Applied cryptography, security protocols, and secure communications
• Software architecture, software engineering, and programming (e.g., Rust, C/C++, Python)
• Embedded systems design and development (e.g., C, VHDL)
• DevOps and the software development lifecycle, including design, documentation, and testing
• Academic research experience or publications in computer security, resiliency, or cryptography

Key Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to turn vision into reality.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.

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 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: 42380 

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