Homeland Protection Systems Student Technical Assistant (Fall 2026) - Group 04-46

Group Description

The Homeland Protection Systems Group works with U.S. Government agencies to develop, assess, and rapidly transition advanced technologies aimed at safeguarding the National Airspace and addressing emerging national security priorities in the homeland. The Group has successfully deployed innovative technology solutions addressing defense challenges for the National Airspace, population centers, and critical infrastructure. We specialize in comprehensive systems analysis, advanced technology development, and rapid prototyping. Leveraging our expertise in complex systems, algorithms, and hardware prototyping, our team of scientists, engineers, and technologists applies cutting-edge techniques in data analysis, predictive analytics, and systems engineering to solve complex Homeland Protection problems. Our mission is to deliver and deploy advanced technologies that strengthen national security in the homeland.

Position Description

The Homeland Protection Systems Group is seeking a highly motivated candidates who have a passion for complex problems. As a Student Technical Assistant in this group, you would support ongoing technical efforts to solve complex problems pertaining to radar and machine learning. This is a part-time, term-time position intended to run October through December 2026, with the possibility of extension into subsequent terms based on performance and continued availability.

Responsibilities may include:

* Assistance with data collection, analysis and preprocessing
* Supporting ongoing testing of real-time machine learning systems as applied to radar
* Developing scripts and tools to shorten development feedback loops and deploy machine learning systems at scale
* Presenting work to a broad technical audience in a clear and concise manner
* Participating in team meetings and contributing to technical discussions

Requirements:

* Currently enrolled in a degree program. All degree levels (Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD) are welcome to apply.
* Commitment to approximately 20 hours per week during the Fall 2026 academic term
* Prior coursework and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, principles of software development, signal processing and data structures. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred.
* Experience in the programming languages C++ and Python
* Experience with state of the art machine learning approaches and architectures
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Compensation:

Hourly pay rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the position 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.