Optical Engineering Intern - Optical Specialist (Summer 2027) - Group 78

Location: Lexington, MA, US

The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a specialized group of 30+ Optical Engineers and Optical Specialists/Technicians. We collaborate with Mission Divisions across the Laboratory taking cutting-edge concepts and applying all aspects of the optical engineering discipline to the development of prototype satellite, airborne, and terrestrial optical systems. Our employees work within the entire optical system development life-cycle:

Our Engineering efforts support key mission areas including:

Space control

Communication systems

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems

Electro-optical technologies

Biotechnology

Tactical systems

Homeland protection

Air and missile defense

Earth Science and Astronomy

In addition to large-scale projects, the Optical Engineering group acquires funding and conducts basic research on ideas generated from engineers within our group.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security, but to the advancement of science itself.

For agile thinkers excited by the freedom to develop and execute novel ideas and test them in sophisticated real-world environments, Lincoln Laboratory offers abundant opportunities and resources, as well as a collaborative work environment across many disciplines.  Join some of the world’s best engineers by visiting:  www.ll.mit.edu.

Requirements to apply

Enrolled in a qualified Optical Technology career program, and have completed at least one year.

Demonstrated experience working in teams, excellent communication skills, and the ability to document your work and follow written procedures.

Be comfortable handling optics and working with common optical-mechanical hardware.

Have used some optical tooling (interferometers, alignment scopes, profilometers, inspection microscopes, and/or theodolites).

Have familiarity with optical fabrication techniques and specifications.

Must be a U.S. citizen, due to the unique nature of our work.

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 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: 43395