Pointing/Acquisition/Tracking and Controls Engineer-Technical Staff

The Optical and Quantum Communication Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments. Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems; robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities. Examples of near-term field tests include terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next-generation beam-director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep-space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed. 

Position Description

The Optical/Quantum Communications Technology Group seeks a full time Technical Staff member to contribute to the design, analysis, development, testing and integration of optical communications systems to support its lasercom prototype systems development in challenging channels such as atmospheric or undersea. In particular, an understanding of atmospheric effects, turbulence, and experience with adaptive optics or tracking technologies is highly desired, along with a strong controls and system analysis background. The staff member will work closely with a team of engineers to develop complex prototype optical communications hardware, with a focus on developing the pointing, acquisition and tracking systems for both space and ground terminals. The staff member will work closely with the rest of the engineering team, in particular with optical, mechanical, and software disciplines to implement the required technologies to achieve the appropriate performance in fielded demonstrations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aero/Astro, Optical, or a Masters and 5 years of experience. 
• Demonstrated experience with controls systems, particularly with a focus on adaptive optics or tracking,
• Demonstrated experience with systems analysis and modeling, particularly with understanding and analyzing atmospheric turbulence effects
• Experience with integration and test as well as troubleshooting complex problems
• Experience with MATLAB or other analysis tools relevant for systems analysis
• Experience with free space optical communications hardware
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Willingness to work in a team environment

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .

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: 42644 

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