Group 36 | SRP Intern - Graduate | Integrated Missile Defense Technology | Summer 2026

The Integrated Missile Defense Technology Group supports the Missile Defense Agency in the development, deployment, testing, and enhancement of the Missile Defense that defends the United States, deployed forces, and allies from missile attacks. We are focused on advancing the Missile Defense elements to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats. Our staff are involved in the development and integration of these elements from the analysis and characterization of the worldwide missile threat to fielding of new capabilities. To achieve this, we perform system and component engineering, algorithm development, advanced technology prototyping, and validation of performance by means of testing and analysis.

Position Description

The group seeks a graduate level summer intern to contribute to a number of challenging projects in our Huntsville Field Site, related to our mission. Interns will be partnered with technical staff as they work on issues that leverage their competencies. Projects may be worked on individually or in teams depending on the skills of the candidates.

The successful candidates will be pursuing a MS or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a similar STEM degree.

Competencies desired in any combination of the following areas: C++, C, MATLAB, Python, physics, applied math, engineering, computer science, radar, infrared, IR, RF, autonomous systems, control systems theory, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data structures, algorithms, signal processing, signal analysis, formal methods, neural nets, and sensor fusion.

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