Active Optical Systems, IT/Systems Administrator Co-Op (Spring 2027) - Group 10-06

Location: Lexington, MA, US

The Active Optical Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops cutting-edge optical and infrared sensor technologies for national security applications, including laser radar systems (LADAR) and advanced imaging sensors. The group works on exciting projects in areas like surveillance, mapping, and threat detection.

As an undergraduate co-op, you’ll have the opportunity to work on these innovative systems, gaining hands-on experience and collaborating with top researchers. The position reports to a Northeastern Alumnus who completed all three of his co-ops in this very group, offering valuable mentorship and insight into the work. This is a unique opportunity to build your skills and grow your network in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

Position Description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a leading research center focused on advancing national security through cutting-edge technology. It tackles complex challenges in areas like cybersecurity, communications, and air defense, working to develop innovative solutions for the U.S. and its allies. MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers the chance to work on impactful projects, gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with experts in a dynamic, problem-solving environment. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to real-world technologies that shape the future of national security.

The Active Optical Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops cutting-edge optical and infrared sensor technologies for national security applications, including laser radar systems (LADAR) and advanced imaging sensors. The group works on exciting projects in areas like surveillance, mapping, and threat detection.

As an undergraduate co-op, you’ll have the opportunity to work on these innovative systems, gaining hands-on experience and collaborating with top researchers. The position reports to a Northeastern Alumnus who completed all three of his co-ops in this very group, offering valuable mentorship and insight into the work. This is a unique opportunity to build your skills and grow your network in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

CO-OP Student – (IT / Systems Administrator - Active Optical Systems Group)

Join the Active Optical Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory for a unique IT internship where you'll play a key role in supporting the group’s essential systems and infrastructure. In this role, you’ll support daily IT needs—troubleshooting computers, configuring operating systems (Windows 11, Windows Server, Linux), and maintaining network infrastructure—while also having opportunities to tinker with and build systems that support cutting-edge research projects.

Key Responsibilities

Support day-to-day IT needs, including troubleshooting and system maintenance.

Install, configure, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux operating systems.

Manage network configurations and ensure software licenses are up to date.

Assist with implementing security measures in line with government and Laboratory policies.

This internship offers more than just traditional IT work—you’ll gain exposure to a variety of projects, learning from the innovative work being done in optical systems. You'll have the opportunity to experiment, solve problems, and help create systems that support advanced research, giving you a broad, hands-on experience that will be invaluable for your future career.

If you’re eager to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while broadening your technical skills, apply now!

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Networking/IT Degree program

Completed at least 1-2 years of undergraduate study (or equivalent) prior to employment

Knowledgeable of various operating systems:  Windows, Windows Server, Unix/Linux, /macOS

Basic understanding of, and ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and networking challenges

Familiarity with Microsoft Office application software

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Eagerness to learn and take initiative in solving problems

Willingness to take on new challenges and drive tasks forward with minimal direction

Desired Skills and Qualifications

Experience with desktop level hardware and software applications like Office, OS Imaging (i.e. kickstart or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit), BitLocker

Working knowledge of scripting languages such as bash, Perl or python

Work experience in mission critical environments

Outcomes

By the end of the co-op, you will have gained hands-on experience in developing and supporting rapid, field-deployable systems. You’ll learn how to configure and troubleshoot complex network infrastructures, maintain and optimize operating systems, and ensure systems are ready for real-time deployment. You'll also gain insight into how these systems are built to support critical national security applications, developing a deeper understanding of how to design, implement, and maintain technology that is both highly efficient and adaptable for field use. This experience will strengthen your skills in system administration and system deployment in high-stakes, fast-paced settings.

Compensation

Compensation for 2026 (will be reviewed for 2027)

Technical Co-Op: $25.00 – $32.00 per hour (based on year in school)

Administrative Co-Op: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour (based on year in school)

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: 43446