98: Technical Staff Quantum Science and Engineering

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 145,200 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Mentorship programs

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a motivated physicist or engineer to join the Advanced Quantum Technologies Group in Lexington, MA. The position focuses on quantum computing and quantum sensing, with core responsibilities including building prototypes and conducting testing.

Applicants must have a PhD in relevant fields, substantial hands-on lab experience, and strong analytical skills. The role offers extensive professional growth opportunities and a competitive salary ranging from $145,200 to $220,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field required.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with complex systems is essential.
• Strong foundation in fundamental physics and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and fabricate magnetic sensing prototypes.
• Conduct laboratory validation and field testing of sensors and systems.
• Communicate results and propose project milestones.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory experience

Complex systems troubleshooting

Strong analytical skills

Collaboration and communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Analog circuits

Vector network analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Ansys HFSS

LabVIEW

Job description

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Date: Jun 12, 2026

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group focuses on accelerating quantum computing and quantum sensing using ion and solid‑state platforms. Core areas 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 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 sensors and their integration into practical systems. This position involves working at the forefront of quantum and solid‑state physics to develop sensors and test them in real‑world applications.

Responsibilities

Applicants should have a broad skillset and be willing to work on a wide variety of tasks as needed. They should be willing to engage as both a productive member of a team and a leader of a team as necessary. Typical tasks are:

• Build and fabricate magnetic sensing prototypes
• Hardware development, design, and optimization (e.g. RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical subsystems)
• Laboratory validation and field testing of sensors and systems, including troubleshooting of complex systems and data analysis of recorded results
• System engineering, integration, testing, and measurement
• Physics modeling and simulation of sensor systems
• Communicating results to and determining next steps with the broader team
• Proposing milestones, schedule, and direction to a broader team

While a broad set of skills is desired, the majority of day‑to‑day tasks will be tailored to the applicant’s specific interests and strengths. Applicants should be comfortable working independently in a self‑directed manner and collaborating closely within a highly integrated team. The role also offers opportunities to develop new technical, communication, and program management skills and expand one’s expertise over time.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Substantial hands‑on laboratory experience, including troubleshooting of complex systems
• Experience with laboratory measurement and characterization (e.g., analog circuits, impedance analyzers, vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes)
• Strong foundation in fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis
• Experience with both self‑directed and collaborative technical projects or research
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in experimental quantum science with a strong track record evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Experimental research experience in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics or with solid‑state spin systems; familiarity with magnetometry, magnetic materials, or spin systems
• RF, microwave, and/or analog circuit measurement or design (e.g. Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS)
• Cleanroom device fabrication experience, including material deposition (sputtering, e‑beam) and photolithography
• Scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Multiphysics simulation (e.g. COMSOL)

Compensation

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.

Benefits

• 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!

Additional Information

Selected candidates 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: 43052

Nearest Major Market: Boston

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