98: Associate Staff Quantum Science and Engineering

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 116,400 - 182,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid leave options

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA seeks a motivated physicist, applied physicist, or electrical engineer to join the Advanced Quantum Technologies Group. The role entails developing quantum sensing systems and involves hands-on hardware construction, data analysis, and teamwork.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree, lab experience, and proficiency in programming. Benefits include comprehensive health plans, a MIT-funded pension, and a hiring range from $116,400–$182,200, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field required.
• Basic lab skills needed (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Experience in MATLAB and self-directed projects essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop hardware systems for quantum technologies.
• Build and maintain optical testbeds.
• Conduct precision measurements and optimize performance.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Strong communication skills

Experience using MATLAB

Comfort with fundamental physical concepts

Experience in self-directed projects

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

MATLAB

Python

CAD design (e.g., SolidWorks)

Job description

Date: May 26, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Job Description

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group focuses on accelerating quantum computing and quantum sensing using ion and solid‑state platforms. Core areas of the Group include fundamental quantum science to guide next‑generation advances, quantum devices (ion computing testbeds, precision clocks, magnetometers, and other sensors), and quantum systems such as magnetic‑assisted navigation and quantum microscopy for microelectronics diagnostics.

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group seeks a highly motivated, detail‑oriented, curious, and driven physicist, applied physicist, or electrical engineer with hands‑on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will join a close‑knit, dynamic team pushing the forefront of quantum sensing, with emphasis on solid‑state spin‑based sensors and their integration into practical systems. As an active participant in cutting‑edge research and development, the candidate can expect to face novel physics and engineering problems that require creative solutions daily. This position involves working at the forefront of quantum technology to develop quantum sensing and imaging systems and the applications for these systems.

The candidate will contribute to building optical testbeds and sensing prototypes; integrating optical, RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical, and cryogenic subsystems; developing measurement control software and data analysis pipelines; performing precision measurements; and assisting in optimizing sensor performance in alignment with application and system‑level requirements. The successful candidate will have opportunities to grow into increasing technical responsibility as part of the Laboratory's expanding quantum sensing portfolio.

Major Responsibilities

• Hardware development, design, and construction (e.g., optical, RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical, cryogenic subsystems)
• Build and maintain optical testbeds and magnetic sensing prototypes
• System engineering and system integration
• Test and measurement
• Physics modeling of quantum systems
• Software programming for instrument control and data acquisition
• Data analysis and signal/image processing
• Laboratory validation and field testing

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Basic laboratory experience (e.g., familiarity with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, analog circuits)
• Comfort with fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis
• Experience in self‑directed and group technical projects and research endeavors
• Experience using MATLAB and/or Mathematica
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Laser and optics experience
• RF, microwave, or analog circuit design
• Familiarity with spin systems, magnetometry, or solid‑state defect centers
• Coursework or research experience in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics or solid‑state physics
• Scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB, LabView, Mathematica, etc.)
• Experience with signal processing, image reconstruction, or sensor data analysis
• CAD design (e.g., SolidWorks)
• Embedded systems programming
• Familiarity with cryogenic, vacuum, or field‑deployable instrumentation systems

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401(k)
• 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

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.

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: 43011

Nearest Major Market: Boston