This is not a "shadow the senior engineer for two years" role. You will be in the lab running experiments, performing modeling and analysis, and contributing directly to systems that matter.
What You'll Actually Do- Design and characterize optical, RF, or software subsystems for next-generation free-space laser communication terminals
- Run experiments, troubleshoot issues, and iterate on solutions
- Perform modeling and analysis to inform technology investments and assess laboratory results
- Collaborate closely with a small, tight-knit technical team
- Apply theoretical fundamentals from your coursework or research to real hardware on an optical bench
- Contribute to systems that may support satellite, airborne, or other mission-critical platforms
Who You Are- Curious and inquisitive. You ask "why" and "what if" as often as you ask "what's the answer."
- A STEM graduate (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Aerospace, Computer Science, or related field) with a strong theoretical foundation
- Comfortable with ambiguity. You can reason through open-ended problems without needing a step-by-step manual
- Hands-on. You have laboratory experience - coursework, research, capstone project, or otherwise
- A creative problem-solver who thinks beyond conventional constraints
- Someone motivated by work that has real-world national security impact
Nice-to-Haves (Not Dealbreakers)- Research experience in an optics, photonics, or similar experimental physics laboratory
- Exposure to any of: optical systems/alignment, analog circuit design, embedded/systems software
- Experience with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) or optical design software
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM field (completed or in progress, graduating within the 2026/2027 academic year)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Willingness and ability to work in a laboratory environment, including handling optical and electronic hardware
- US citizenship is required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200-$120,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200-$150,000
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.
Requisition ID: 43298
