Group 07-75 | SRP Intern - Software/AI Engineering | Systems Engineering - | Summer 2026
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Systems Engineering Group seeks a motivated AI/ML Intern to help implement a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline to enable natural language queries that return accurate and structured outputs.
The successful candidate should have at least a junior standing in their engineering field with coursework or projects in machine learning, databases, or natural language processing.
Responsibilities
- Work with the engineering team to understand database schema
- Implement data ingestion and embeddings into a vector store.
- Set up a RAG pipeline (e.g., using LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Langraph) connected to the SQL database.
- Develop simple prompts and queries to return structured data from natural language questions.
- Test the system with real engineering queries and improve retrieval accuracy.
- Document implementation steps and create a “how-to” guide for future engineers.
Qualifications
Required:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Familiarity with Python programming and working with APIs
- Basic understanding of SQL databases (queries, joins, filtering).
- Coursework or project exposure to machine learning or NLP.
- Eagerness to learn and ability to work independently with guidance.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with vector databases
- Exposure to LLM frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex)
- Interest in electrical parts/cable assemblies (helpful but not required).
Key Skills
- Python programming
- SQL querying
- Basics of embeddings and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
- Documentation and communication
Internship Details
- Duration: 3 months
- Location: on-site
- Start date: Summer 2026
The Systems Engineering Group is seeking motivated summer interns to support our team in the areas of Systems Engineering and Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering. This internship offers hands-on experience in developing and testing advanced systems and components used in cutting-edge research and technology programs.
What You’ll Work On:
- Assist with payload architecture definition, including optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems
- Help create system-level block diagrams (electrical and/or mechanical)
- Conduct environmental hazard analyses for sensitive components
- Support integration and test planning activities
- Develop and run finite element models using tools such as MSC/PATRAN
- Analyze structural and thermal test data
- Design components and assemblies using SolidWorks
- Create and manage engineering databases
- Run software analysis codes to evaluate performance
Who We’re Looking For:
- Current students with junior standing or higher in a relevant engineering discipline
- Fields of study may include Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics/Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) or computer-aided design (CAD) tools is helpful but not required
Why Join Us:
This internship is an opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges while learning from experts in the field. You’ll gain exposure to a variety of disciplines and contribute to meaningful technical projects that make an impact.
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 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
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: 42570