Space Systems Researcher / Engineer - Analysis and Test Group (Associate Staff)

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group aims to solve our nation’s most demanding space-related security challenges backed by validated analysis, prototyping, and field demonstrations. We work with senior leaders in the US Space Force, Air Force, and Intelligence Community to provide unbiased analysis and innovative solutions that directly shape US national defense strategy. 

What will you do?

Our staff are skilled scientists and engineers with broad experience, eager to be on the leading edge of technology that will chart our nation’s future in space. All staff develop an understanding of the current state-of-the-art of U.S. and foreign space capabilities and maintain awareness of new technology developments with potential to impact the space domain. They collaborate with experts throughout the lab to break down and solve complex problems then clearly communicate key findings to a range of audiences including DoD senior leaders, government technology experts, and Lincoln Laboratory colleagues.

Associate Staff members often fill different roles and are encouraged to build diverse skills. Some examples of current Technical Staff roles:

• Computational Physics – Develop modeling software for in-house astrodynamics toolkits. Topics include satellite propagation, guidance laws, sensors & observations, state estimation, tracking, etc.
• Signal Processing – Design tools and pipelines to process observational data from optical, radar, and other instruments. Analyze collected data and compare to theoretical models.
• Hardware Prototyping – Design and produce developmental hardware systems and sensors. Design and conduct measurement campaigns using prototypes in support of analysis studies.
• Technical Leadership – Work with more senior staff to develop and execute strategies to solve research questions. Guide and integrate the work of a small team. 

Candidates are not expected to have previous experience in all these areas but must be able to leverage their strong technical background to rapidly learn and make contributions. The highly collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the group provides opportunities for Technical Staff to work on a variety of projects over time and explore new interests as they develop.

What we require:

• The hired candidate to have met one of the following education/experience requirements at the time of their anticipated start date:
  • MS in a STEM field (including, but not limited to: Physics, Math, Computer Science, Aerospace, Astrodynamics, Engineering, etc.)
  • Bachelor’s degree with 5 or more years relevant academic or industry experience
• Previous experience in physics- and engineering-based modeling, simulation and analysis
• Ability to clearly explain technical concepts to a range of audiences
• Willingness to work in person on-site in Lexington, MA up to 5 workdays per week during standard business hours
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation and willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance

What we value:

• Self-motivation – Ability to work independently with responsible time management.
• Collaboration – Ability to work in teams, particularly multi-disciplinary teams.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400-$140,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400-$182,200

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: 43038