Physics and Defense Technology Analyst-Technical Staff

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision plans

MIT-funded pension

401(k) matching

Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental,

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Systems and Analysis Group in Lexington, MA seeks a Technical Staff to apply systems analysis to defense problems, including data analysis, mathematical modeling, and software simulation of radar, electro-optic, and laser systems.

You will work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams, communicate results to senior leaders, present at conferences, and mentor junior staff while advancing state-of-the-art modeling tools.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, CS or related field (or MS with 5+ years).
• Technical depth with ability to apply talents to new areas.
• Proficient in MATLAB, Python, C or C++ in a technical environment.
• Strong communication to diverse audiences.
• Passion for critical thinking and solving ill-defined problems; teamwork and mentorship.
• Interest in defense-related problems.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems analysis to defense problems and communicate results.
• Perform data analysis, mathematical modeling, and software simulation of radar, EO, and laser systems.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams and present at conferences and meetings.
• Engage with senior leaders to share insights and recommendations.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Physics / Mathematics / Engineering / CS

MS with 5+ years experience alternative

Tools

Modeling and Simulation

Job description

Date: Jul 6, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Overview

The Systems and Analysis Group provides recommendations to U.S. Air Force senior leadership on a broad range of technical topics impacting national defense, technology acquisitions, and the operational community.

Group analysis topics include:

• Survivability of advanced U.S. aircraft against modern air defenses
• Impact of current and future electronic attack and electronic protection techniques
• Effectiveness of advanced weapon systems
• Capabilities of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems
• Vulnerability of precision‑guided munitions to threat counters
• Space‑based sensing capabilities
• Unconventional or disruptive technologies

Group 109 uses a systems analysis approach to solve large, complex problems by breaking them down into elemental components, analyzing key drivers, and providing insights to decision makers. Many of these system analyses rely on a large body of in‑house modeling and simulation tools spanning radio frequency, infrared, directed energy, and GPS which our group develops, maintains, and adapts to relevant problems. We validate our models through ground and flight tests via collaboration with the Tactical Defense Systems Group (Group 108). In other cases, new models, supported by measurements and tests when feasible, are created to evaluate emerging technologies. Where a rapid capability is sought, the group may lead multi‑group coalitions in the fulfillment of these needs.

Position Description

We are looking for candidates with a solid background in a technical field who can apply transferrable skills to our group's problem set. Technical Staff in Group 109 work both independently and with multi‑disciplinary teams to apply the principles of systems analysis to defense problems. Work involves data analysis, mathematical modeling, and software simulation of radar, electro‑optic, and laser systems, to include multi‑sensor and multi‑domain architectures. Technical Staff are also responsible for communicating results to a broad range of audiences, including presentations at conferences, meetings, and engagements with senior leaders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field. In lieu of a PhD, an MS with 5+ years of related experience will be considered
• Technical depth in chosen field of study, with the ability to apply talents to new areas
• Demonstrated ability to program in a technical environment (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C, or C++)
• Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts in a clear, concise manner to a wide spectrum of audiences
• Passion for critical thinking and solving complex, often ill‑defined problemsStrong teamwork and dedication to mentorship
• Interest in working on defense‑related problems

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with radar, electro‑optic, or GPS systems
• Experience with modeling and simulation
• Demonstrated ability to lead a technical analysis team

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 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!

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 will obtain and maintain a Secret clearance to start but must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level DoD security clearance with compartmented program eligibility in the future.

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.