Teaching Assistants (TA) are needed for a 4-week long summer program, the MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute, being held on the MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA. One of this year’s exciting projects is the Unmanned Air System Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAS-SAR). SAR is a unique application of a radar sensor typically used by the military and scientists. Combining this sensor with a UAS provides a very powerful sensing platform with multiple applications. Over an intensive 4-week program, participants in UAS-SAR will assemble, integrate, prototype, and refine their own UAS-SAR to image various interesting scenes. For more information on BWSI program visit: https://bwsi.mit.edu/
Over the course of 4 weekly modules, students will learn about radar, SAR, UAS, and the specific integration of these topics into a unified system. Labs will focus on developing understanding and implementing these various concepts in an incremental fashion towards their final system. They will also get real-time coaching by instructors and TA’s in effective collaboration in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
The TA’s will assist the instructors in the day-to-day coursework, lectures, UAS operations supervision, assessments of assignments, and be the resident ‘expert’ for the student teams. The program runs from Monday July 6th to Sunday August 2nd 2026, Monday to Friday, from 9AM to 5PM. The program will be conducted in person on the MIT campus. The TA would need to be available starting June 22nd for in person course prep work and for Saturday August 1st and Sunday August 2nd for the final challenge.
Applicants should be undergraduate college or graduate school students in an engineering, science and/or math course of study. Previous hands-on experience as a TA or Lab Assistant is desired. General proficiency in programming required with a specific familiarity with Python preferred. Experience utilizing manufacturer and/or open-source APIs/middlewares to implement software is preferred. Also, looking for TA with experience in UAS operation. Successful applicants will have the ability to supervise a team of students, focusing on completion of weekly tasks and goals, and prepare the team for the final challenge.
Job Requirements
Applicants should be undergraduate or graduate school students in an engineering, science and/or math course of study. An expertise in Python for STEM-related applications is necessary, as is a history of completing technical projects (including both research and personal projects alike). Familiarity with linear algebra, signal processing, development of hardware control software, and UAS operation are desired. Applicants need not have experience in radar, but should have an interest and desire to learn. Successful applicants will have an eagerness to teach and encourage students to develop challenging technical skills.
If interested in applying fill out application at the following website:
https://mit-bwsi.formstack.com/forms/beaverworks_job_application_2026
A brief resume will also need to be attached to the application.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. You must be a U.S. Citizen or have authority to work in the U.S. in order to be considered for this position.