Software Test Lead - Associate Staff (Group 76)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Pension (MIT-funded)

Matching 401K

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a Software Test Lead to manage the full software lifecycle for complex prototypes built by mission groups within Group 76. You will lead software/hardware integration, test planning, and execution in a lab setting, with occasional travel for field exercises and sponsor presentations.

The role offers leadership growth, opportunities to mentor small teams, and involvement in cross-disciplinary testing across AI/IT and hardware domains.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Strong scripting experience (COSMOS, Ruby, or similar).
• C/C++ programming experience.

Responsibilities

• Serving as the test lead for AI&T activities, owning system-level test execution across hardware and software disciplines.
• Planning and coordinating test operations, including managing the test job board and prioritizing work for test operators and engineers.
• Lead hands-on lab testing, configuring and operating electronic test equipment and automated test setups to verify system performance against requirements.
• Drive test automation and process improvements to increase repeatability, efficiency, and traceability of tests and results.

Skills

COSMOS/Ruby scripting

C/C++ programming

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Security clearance

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Engineering/CS

Bachelor’s degree + 6+ years considered

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Waveform generators

Logic analyzers

Automation/testing tools

Job description

Software Test Lead - Associate Staff (Group 76)

The Software and Electronics Engineering Group (76) collaborates with every research area at the Laboratory to create systems that accomplish their objectives in real‑world scenarios and in unpredictable surroundings. Our engineers develop complex software and electronics systems, from concept to realization, for a variety of prototypes. We utilize the applied research approach to work on capabilities such as pointing and stabilization techniques to enable efficient space‑based laser communication, and to build prototypes such as a ground‑based sensor to detect biological threats in real time. Our engineers are developing airborne visual navigation, flight controls, and on‑orbit pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems. We have expertise in space‑qualified electronics, precision controls, firmware, embedded software, and application software.

Job Description

Group 76, Software and Electronics Engineering, is seeking a Software Test Lead to work on the full software lifecycle for complex prototypes that are built by mission groups across the Laboratory. Activities may include software design, implementation, and integration & test of hardware/software systems in a laboratory setting. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to multi‑disciplinary teams executing advanced research and independently solve technical challenges. Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required. Staff in this position will have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and begin to lead small teams over time.

Initial responsibilities will include:

• Serving as the test lead for AI&T activities, owning system‑level test execution across hardware and software disciplines
• Planning and coordinating test operations, including managing the test job board and prioritizing work for test operators and engineers
• Lead hands‑on lab testing, configuring and operating electronic test equipment and automated test setups to verify system performance against requirements
• Drive test automation and process improvements to increase repeatability, efficiency, and traceability of tests and results

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience
  • A bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience will be considered
• Strong scripting experience (e.g., COSMOS, Ruby, or similar)
• Programming experience in C/C+
• Experience using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers and logic analyzers for integration and hardware debugging
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team
• Experience leading small teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coherently convey complex technical details to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• TS/SCI clearance preferred

Desired (2 or more of the following)

• Background in satellites, autonomous vehicles, or modern controls
• Familiarity with writing software/HDL for hardware (GPU, FPGA)
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipeline processes and technologies
• Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lldb, etc
• Knowledge of communication and hardware protocols (e.g. UDP, TCP, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, PCIe, MIPI)
• Experience designing and developing hard real‑time software
• Experience developing software for high reliability environments (DO‑178, ISO 13485, NPR 7150.2)

We support a wide variety of mechanisms for staff to continually grow their skills including:

• Direct mentorship within the Group and across MIT LL for projects and career guidance.
• Participation in programs across MIT LL to broaden your network internally and externally.
• Community exposure through external conferences/meetings and internal workshops that draw senior leaders from government and industry.
• Continuing education through both external and internal courses on a variety of technical, communication, and work/project management fundamentals.

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.

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

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.