About the role#
This summer internship offers students the chance to support the assembly, integration, and testing of complex prototype hardware. You will work under the guidance of fabrication engineers, technicians, and project teams to translate engineering designs into functional hardware. Assignments may involve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fluid, optical, or control-system interfaces. You will gain direct experience with hardware development from design release through final assembly and test.
What you'll do#
- Support the assembly and integration of prototype hardware, fixtures, and engineering subsystems.
- Interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, assembly procedures, and interface-control documentation.
- Prepare components, tools, and work areas for fabrication, inspection, or testing.
- Participate in fit checks, alignment activities, and functional checkout of hardware assemblies.
- Document assembly steps, configuration changes, test observations, and corrective actions.
- Assist engineers and technicians in identifying mechanical, electrical, or system-interface issues.
- Support root-cause investigations by organizing data and participating in problem-solving activities.
- Draft or revise assembly procedures, work instructions, and test-support documentation.
- Prepare a final technical summary or presentation describing your work, lessons learned, and recommended next steps.
- Participate in engineering design reviews, work planning, safety briefings, and technical meetings.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, electrical, systems, or industrial engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
- Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education by the start of the internship.
- Demonstrated interest in hands-on engineering, fabrication, laboratory work, or prototype development.
- Ability to follow detailed procedures, drawings, and safety requirements.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers, technicians, and machinists.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and handle technical information responsibly.
- Experience with CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or Fusion 360, is preferred.
- Familiarity with hand tools, machine-shop equipment, or electronics workbenches is preferred.
- Coursework or experience in mechanics, manufacturing processes, machine design, or systems integration is preferred.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.
Location & details#
- This is an on-site internship located in Lexington, Massachusetts.
- The term is for Summer 2027.
- This is a paid, full-time position.
About MIT Lincoln Laboratory
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center. Founded in 1951, it focuses on technology development and system prototyping for national security. The organization is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. It employs over 4,000 people and works with industry partners to transition new concepts into deployed systems.
How to get in at MIT Lincoln Laboratory
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