Summer Research Program Intern 2027, Tactical Edge Communications (Group 06-62)

The Tactical Edge Communications Group develops and demonstrates new algorithms, architectures, and hardware implementations for processing signals for a broad range of RF system applications, including advanced wireless communications and signals intelligence. The group's core competencies include developing algorithms and system concepts for communication, signal detection, localization, and classification in challenging environments, as well as hardware implementations and prototypes of these advanced RF systems. The group has expertise in adaptive antenna array processing, signal detection and estimation, pattern recognition, multichannel communications, wideband sampling techniques, antenna and RF subsystem design, and systems analysis. The group applies machine learning techniques to spectrum operations problems. The staff members have advanced degrees in electrical engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. To support concept development and evaluation, the group conducts a significant amount of field tests and data collection campaigns, and collaborates with other groups within the division and throughout the Laboratory in real-time prototype implementation, experiment execution, and systems analysis.

Job Description:

The Group seeks a summer intern to actively contribute towards design/implementation/analysis of components of the communication systems the Group is prototyping, including advanced digital signal processing algorithms, antennas, and/or RF front-ends. The individual will typically work with a mentor who will guide and direct their work. The individual with be exposed to various aspects of RF system design and/or signal processing techniques for communications and other applications.

Requirements:

The successful candidate will be pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Must be willing to work in a team environment. Candidates with experience in signal/data processing using MATLAB/Python, RF systems engineering, FPGA development, GPU programming, and/or embedded software development, are encouraged to apply. Experience with communication theory and communication system design will be considered favorably.

Compensation Data

Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2026 – December 2026 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2027. Rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hour

Sophomore year completed: $27.00/hour

Junior year completed: $29.00/hour

4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hour

Bachelors completed: $34.50/hour

Bachelors 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hour

Bachelors 2, two years of graduate study completed: $38.00/hour

MS completed: $39.00/hour

MS 1, one year of graduate study completed after the MS: $41.00/hour

MS 2, two years of graduate study completed after the MS: $42.50/hour

MS 3, three years of graduate study completed after the MS: $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: 43423