Space Systems Researcher / Engineer (Tech Staff)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401(k)

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, seeks a Space Systems Researcher/Engineer to address critical space-related security challenges. You will engage with senior leaders to provide analysis and innovative solutions as part of the Space Systems Analysis and Test Group.

The ideal candidate will have a strong STEM background and experience in modeling, simulation, and collaborative projects. The position requires on-site work up to five days a week.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a STEM field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in physics‑ and engineering‑based modeling and analysis.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of U.S. and foreign space capabilities.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to provide unbiased analysis and solutions.
• Design and produce developmental hardware systems.

Skills

Physics- and engineering-based modeling

Technical communication

Collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams

Education

Ph.D. in a STEM field

Master’s in a STEM field plus 5 years experience

Bachelor’s in a STEM field plus 10 years experience

Job description

Space Systems Researcher / Engineer (Tech Staff)

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Date: May 30, 2026

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

What you will do

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group (Group 95) aims to solve the nation’s most demanding space‑related security challenges through validated analysis, prototyping, and field demonstrations. You will work with senior leaders in the U.S. Space Force, Air Force, and Intelligence Community to provide unbiased analysis and innovative solutions that shape U.S. national defense strategy.

As a technical staff member, you will: develop an understanding of the current state‑of‑the‑art of U.S. and foreign space capabilities; maintain awareness of new technology developments; collaborate with experts throughout the laboratory; solve complex problems; and communicate key findings to senior leaders, government experts, and colleagues.

Example technical staff roles include:

• Computational Physics – develop modeling software for in‑house astrodynamics toolkits, satellite propagation, guidance laws, sensors & observations, state estimation, tracking, etc.
• Signal Processing – design tools and pipelines to process observational data from optical, radar, and other instruments; analyze data and compare to theoretical models.
• Hardware Prototyping – design and produce developmental hardware systems and sensors; conduct measurement campaigns using prototypes to support analysis studies.
• Technical Leadership – develop and execute strategies to solve research questions; guide and integrate team work; propose new work to fill U.S. capability gaps or meet emerging needs.

Candidates are not required to have experience in all areas, but must be able to leverage strong technical background to learn quickly and make contributions. The collaborative, multidisciplinary nature of the group allows staff to work on a variety of projects over time and explore new interests.

What we require

• The hired candidate must meet one of the following education/experience requirements at the time of anticipated start date:
  • Ph.D. in a STEM field (including, but not limited to, physics, mathematics, computer science, aerospace, astrodynamics, engineering, etc.)
  • Master’s in a STEM field plus 5 or more years of relevant academic or industry experience
  • Bachelor’s in a STEM field plus 10 or more years of relevant academic or industry experience
• Previous experience in physics‑ and engineering‑based modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts and produce clear, concise narratives.
• Willingness to work on‑site in Lexington, MA up to five workdays per week during standard business hours.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background investigation and willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance.

What we value

• Self‑motivation – ability to work independently with responsible time management.
• Collaboration – ability to work in teams, particularly multi‑disciplinary teams.

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)