What are the responsibilities and job description for the Group 106 | SRP Intern | Active Optical Systems | Summer 2026 position at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
The Active Optical Systems Group develops and fields unique, world-class optical sensor systems across multiple mission areas of national importance. Our Group has a history of successful innovations; we have fielded a high-area coverage rate foliage-penetrating 3D imaging lidar using single photon-sensitive detector arrays; we developed a novel ultra-wideband coherent lidar; and we have MIT LL digital pixel focal plane array technology to develop unique passive IR sensors. These systems leverage our Groups’ creativity; over the past decade, our staff have filed 25 technology disclosures and have been granted 12 patents. Additionally, our group projects have won multiple R&D100 Awards, a prestigious innovation award honoring revolutionary ideas in science and technology. Our portfolio of programs spans smaller, high-risk, high-reward seedling studies and experiments that explore novel techniques and technologies to the fielding of larger, more mature systems that are designed, developed and integrated onto target platforms, such as aircraft. We host world-class expertise in optical phenomenology, optical sensors, high-speed embedded processing, and data exploitation and visualization algorithms. We value differences and are a dedicated and innovative Group looking for exceptional candidates to help us build the next generation of optical sensors.
Position Description
EO/IR Electronics, Software, and Firmware Development
The Active Optical Systems Group seeks a highly motivated problem-solver who is interested in working with a team to develop the next generation of advanced EO/IR and Ladar systems. The individual is expected to support the development of interfacing, processing, and visualization software for novel prototype systems, as well as work with a team to design and optimize algorithms for data acquisition and reduction, image processing and 3D lidar point-cloud generation and interpretation.
Requirements:
The successful candidate will be pursuing a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. Course work and programming experience in one or more of the following programming languages required: C, C , scripting, Python, and MATLAB. Demonstrated ability to work from high-level algorithm descriptions and excellent communications skills required.
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.
Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2025 – December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.
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: 42846
Position Description
EO/IR Electronics, Software, and Firmware Development
The Active Optical Systems Group seeks a highly motivated problem-solver who is interested in working with a team to develop the next generation of advanced EO/IR and Ladar systems. The individual is expected to support the development of interfacing, processing, and visualization software for novel prototype systems, as well as work with a team to design and optimize algorithms for data acquisition and reduction, image processing and 3D lidar point-cloud generation and interpretation.
Requirements:
The successful candidate will be pursuing a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. Course work and programming experience in one or more of the following programming languages required: C, C , scripting, Python, and MATLAB. Demonstrated ability to work from high-level algorithm descriptions and excellent communications skills required.
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.
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
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: 42846
Salary : $25 - $43