Department of Security Services – Co-op Student (January 2025 – June 2025) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory – Lexington, MA, USA

The overall mission of the Security Services Division is to identify and counter security threats to MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s mission to develop breakthrough technology in support of national security, including protection against compromise by foreign intelligence services and insider threats. To accomplish this mission, this division formulates and implements policies, plans, and actions designed to protect facilities from threats of vandalism, inadvertent destruction, and sabotage; and protects personnel, classified and unclassified information systems, personally identifiable information, property, and other assets from exploitation and recruitment by foreign intelligence services.

We foster a diverse and inclusive culture that empowers security professionals from a variety of backgrounds to solve complex security challenges in close collaboration with lab research teams and government colleagues. Our people are our most important resource, and we encourage an informal, flexible, and opportunity-filled work environment that is technology-focused. Where mission needs can be met, the Security Services Division encourages flexible schedules and hybrid remote work arrangements.

Who are we?

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that conducts research in support of national security.

• Mission – The overall mission of the Security Services Department (SSD) is to create an innovative security architecture to accelerate research activities. SSD drives business transformation and innovation through the development and implementation of security products, services and solutions.
• Culture – We promote an inclusive, opportunity-rich environment with motivated team members from diverse backgrounds.

What are you going to do?

Join a team of security professionals who are driven to solve complex security challenges in collaboration with security leaders and staff. The six (6) month Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) experience provides students in the Cooperative Education Program with a real-world opportunity to gain exposure to the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). Students will learn the requirements established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to access and protect sensitive and classified government information. Assignments are structured around a robust rotation schedule that allows the student to work alongside security professionals and become familiar with each of the functional areas of the Security Services Division: Cybersecurity (in support of the Forensics Analysis Center), Physical Security and Emergency Management, Security Control and Compliance, Mission Security, Strategy and Project Management, and Investigations and Threat Assessment.

You will participate in strategic security projects focusing on various topics: consent processing and other personnel security measures, computer forensics, cyber threat intelligence, database maintenance, and emergency preparedness/risk management and mitigation.

The knowledge, skills and abilities you must possess include:

• Enrollment in an accredited Bachelor’s/Master’s degree program in Criminal Law or a similar field
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to communicate with various security professionals
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Demonstrable oral and written communication skills
• Applicants are subject to preliminary screening and must meet all requirements for access to confidential information, including compartmentalized programs.
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD government security clearance

How are you going to grow?

You will be given valuable opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment that is consciously designed as one where you can learn, thrive and belong.

• Leadership: the opportunity to create, manage and improve work processes.
• Growth Opportunities: Exposure to industrial security functions through various rotations with an emphasis on hands-on learning.
• Education/Training: Mentorship, internal and external courses.
• Exposure: Involvement with stakeholders, department leadership, and other departments and divisions.
• Community: Participation in lab social events, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), clubs and study groups, volunteer work, and community projects is encouraged.

What do you need:

To work at MITLL, all employees must meet certain basic requirements.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Pass a background check.
• Possibility to be on location 5 days a week

Ideally you have:

The laboratory values ​​experiences from diverse backgrounds and professions. The most successful candidates will have the following skills and qualifications.

• A positive and team-oriented mentality: We are looking for highly motivated individuals who want to join a dynamic and mission-oriented team.
• Valued competencies: Interpersonal and organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Computer skills: Knowledge of business software: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Office.
• Flexibility: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with proven ability to multi-task

Working hours: 8:30am-5:00pm
Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, MA

Selected candidates will be subject to a pre-appointment background check and must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD secret security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination 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.

Application ID: 41432