Associate Staff - Straylight Analysis (Optical Engineering Group)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

MIT-funded pension

401K

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Mentorship

Work-life balance options

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA is seeking a skilled optical engineer with a deep understanding of stray light for a broad range of optical systems, from UV through infrared, reflective and refractive. You will contribute to concept development, detailed analyses, and testing, shaping specifications for procurements and testing programs.

A successful candidate will participate in new program development, mentor teams, and grow into leading novel research initiatives while engaging in the

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in optics/optical engineering or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Stray light analysis expertise using FRED, LightTools, or non‑sequential Zemax.
• Experience designing complex optical systems in industry, labs or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform stray light assessments from concept development to prototype testing.
• Lead detailed analyses for large‑scale fielded prototypes and testing.
• Generate specifications for outside procurements and supplier engagement.
• Participate in new program development and lead novel stray light research.
• Contribute across design, analysis, alignment, and testing of optical systems.

Skills

Stray light analysis

Optical engineering

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD or Master's with 5+ years in optics/optical engineering

Tools

FRED

LightTools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Date: Jul 15, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security, but to the advancement of science itself. The Optical Engineering Group (78) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one‑of‑a‑kind optical systems for terrestrial, air, and space missions of national importance. Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems, and high‑energy laser optical systems. The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under challenging conditions. Recent achievements include compact, extremely wide field‑of‑view space telescopes; ultra‑compact, freeform optics‑based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber‑encapsulated ultra‑small optical imaging systems. The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer‑reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards. The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.

We are seeking talented and driven professionals who are excited to work on challenging real‑world problems, develop and execute novel ideas, and work as an integral part of highly collaborative and nurturing teams. Lincoln Laboratory offers abundant opportunities and resources for learning and professional development, as well as a collaborative work environment across many disciplines.

Position Description

We are seeking a skilled optical engineer who has a focus and deep understanding of stray light for a broad range of optical systems: from UV through infrared, reflective and refractive, from few photons to high‑energy lasers, imaging and non‑imaging, and for a variety of applications in stressing environments. The work may encompass many aspects, including quick‑turn stray light assessments to aid concept development for specific needs, detailed analysis for large‑scale fielded prototypes, generating specifications for outside procurements, and testing. A successful candidate will participate in new program development, teaming with multi‑disciplinary technical and mission teams, and grow into leading novel research initiatives for stray light. The engineer will also participate in all aspects of optical system prototyping lifecycle from design & analysis through alignment and testing.

Ample opportunities for learning, technical growth, and mentorship are available to all staff through programs, training, and research initiatives. Staff work in small, effective, multi‑disciplinary teams of engineers and specialists with varying experience levels in a respectful and collaborative environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or Masters plus 5‑years relevant experience, with degree in optics/optical engineering/optical sciences, or engineering with a concentration in the above.
• Stray light analysis expertise is required: (FRED, LightTools, or non‑sequential Zemax); Lens design experience in Zemax and/or Code V is desired.
• Track record of having worked on complex optical systems in industry/Labs/UARCs/etc.
• Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers.
• Experience with optical component specifications, procurement and vendor management is desired.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work.
• Experience leading and managing small teams is desired.
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances.
• Willingness to travel to meetings and field sites as needed.

Why Join Us

This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge optical systems in a collaborative and innovative environment. You will contribute to impactful projects that push the boundaries of opto‑mechanical engineering, while gaining exposure to diverse technical challenges and professional growth opportunities.

Salary Range

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.

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!

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 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.