Lead Systems Engineer - Advanced Space Technologies (Technical Staff)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Pension (MIT-funded)

401(k) matching

Paid leave

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA seeks a Lead Systems Engineer for Advanced Space Technologies to guide systems analysis and hardware prototyping across space domain awareness, propulsion, and spacecraft systems. You will lead interdisciplinary teams, coordinate modeling, testing and field data collection.

Travel to field sites may be required, and strong communication to non-technical audiences is valued.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in an industry, FFRDC/UARC, or defense environment.
• MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, design, and analyze novel technical solutions to challenging engineering problems.
• Experience leading technical teams for analysis and hardware prototyping efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead small- to-medium-sized interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists across modeling, analysis, laboratory testing, system integration and field data collection.
• Support hardware prototyping activities and laboratory testing.
• Provide guidance on design and analysis for space systems, sensors and propulsion.

Education

MS or PhD in engineering, physics or related technical field

Job description

Lead Systems Engineer - Advanced Space Technologies (Technical Staff)

Date: Jul 5, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Job Overview

The Advanced Capabilities and Technologies Group researches and develops high‑risk/high‑reward technology for advanced ground and satellite systems used for space domain awareness, space control, earth observation and scientific missions. Projects range from laboratory‑scale concepts to operational prototypes. The group integrates expertise across physics, astronomy, engineering, applied mathematics and computer science.

Group 91 - Advanced Capabilities and Technologies is seeking an experienced professional with a background in mechanical/aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics or a closely related field to support systems analysis and hardware prototyping activities. The candidate will lead small‑to‑medium‑sized interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists, supporting modeling and analysis, laboratory testing, system integration, and field data collection. Specific knowledge of or expertise in hypersonics, propulsion, spacecraft systems and sensors is highly desirable. Travel to field sites for meetings or measurement campaigns may be required.

Requirements

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in an industry, FFRDC/UARC, or defense environment
• MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics or a related technical field
• Demonstrated ability to conceive, design, and analyze novel technical solutions to challenging engineering problems
• Experience leading technical teams for analysis and hardware prototyping efforts

Preferred Qualifications

• 10‑15+ years of demonstrated experience in an industry, FFRDC/UARC, or defense environment
• Experience developing technology for national security applications
• Specific knowledge of or expertise in hypersonics, propulsion and spacecraft systems and sensors
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to convey experimental results to non‑technical audiences
• Active Top Secret or higher security clearance

Salary Range

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 – $170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 – $220,000

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401(k)
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work‑life balance options
• Additional benefits and perks available

Security and Background Investigation

Selected candidates will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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: 42920