Quantum Optics Technology Engineer-Technical Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 145,200 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)

Tuition reimbursement

Mentorship programs

Work-life balance options

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA seeks a full-time Quantum Optics Technology Engineer to develop advanced quantum communication technologies.

The role requires expertise in quantum optics, experience with laboratory equipment, and excellent communication skills. The successful candidate will engage in innovative projects targeting entanglement-based quantum applications and collaborate in a team environment.

Competitive hiring range is offered, along with comprehensive benefits including health plans and a retirement package.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with quantum optics and laboratory experimental apparatus.
• Experience with entanglement generation and measurement techniques.
• Strong desire to engage in proof-of-concept demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Support programs targeting development of quantum communication networks.
• Engage in development of entanglement-based applications.
• Work on fielded quantum technology system demonstrations.

Skills

Quantum optics

Entanglement generation

Single-photon detectors

Excellent communication skills

Experience in a team environment

Education

Ph.D. or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Physics

Tools

Quantum optical laboratory equipment

Fiber-optic technology

Integrated photonics

Job description

Quantum Optics Technology Engineer-Technical Staff

Date: Jun 19, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Optical and Quantum Communication Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments. Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled‑photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single‑photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi‑format laser‑comm modems; robust and compact free‑space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next‑generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities. Examples of near‑term field tests include terabit‑per‑second direct‑to‑Earth small‑satellite constellations, near‑Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next‑generation beam‑director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep‑space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed.

Position Description

The Optical & Quantum Communications Technology Group is seeking a full‑time Quantum Optics Technology Engineer to support programs targeting development of entanglement‑based quantum communication network architectures and applications including, for example, distributed sensing and interconnected parallel quantum computing. The successful candidate should be familiar with quantum optics and quantum optical laboratory experimental apparatus, including, for example: entanglement sources, single‑photon detectors, Bell‑state measurement technologies, single‑emitter spectral characterization systems, and cryogenic systems. Experience with fiber‑optic, integrated photonics, free‑space optical technology/ channels and experience engaging in proof‑of‑concept fielded system demonstrations is strongly desired. Emerging quantum technology experience including, for example, quantum defect centers in solids (e.g. in diamond using Silicon or other materials) is also desirable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Physics
• Experience in a quantum optics laboratory
• Experience with entanglement generation and measurement techniques
• Experience with emerging quantum technology (e.g. quantum unitary operation gates or quantum optical memories)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Experience working in a team environment, especially on fielded quantum technology system demonstrations

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.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work‑life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

• 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 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: 42741