Systems Analyst - Associate Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

MIT pension

401K matching

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, seeks an Associate Staff member to join the 22-Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) Systems Group. You will contribute to systems analysis across diverse tech areas addressing CBRNE threats.

The role involves rapid sensor assessment, AI exploration, and development of models/simulations with field testing in lab and real-world environments. Strong curiosity and problem-solving are essential for tackling national security challenges.

Qualifications

• M.S. related to physics, mathematics, data science, statistics, biology, chemistry, engineering, optics or related field.
• In lieu of an M.S., a bachelor’s degree with 4+ years directly related experience will be considered.
• Excellent problem-solving and ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary settings.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to apply systems-level thinking to holistic chemical and biodefense solutions.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly assessing, developing, and testing sensors and sensing architectures for WMD threat detection.
• Exploring AI, data analytics, sensor fusion, and autonomous systems for C-WMD applications.
• Evaluating technologies and architectures to enhance situational awareness in operational contexts.
• Forecasting and evaluating threat behavior using computational and experimental approaches.
• Developing models and simulations that integrate operational constraints and concepts of operation.
• Designing, prototyping, and field-testing homeland protection systems.

Skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Systems thinking

Education

M.S. in Physics/Mathematics/Data Science/Statistics/Biology/Chemistry/Engineering/Optics (or related)

B.S. with 4+ years related experience

Job description

Systems Analyst - Associate Staff

Date: Sep 21, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Group: 22-Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (C-WMD) Systems Group

The C-WMD Systems Group develops advanced systems and cutting-edge technologies to address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threats. Our work spans preparedness, detection, mitigation, medical response, remediation, and attribution, with principal sponsorship from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War. The group operates in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, drawing on expertise from diverse fields such as engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and biology.

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Staff member who is a fast and adaptable learner with a strong interest in tackling complex, multidisciplinary problem sets. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment and contribute to systems analysis efforts across a broad range of technology areas critical to countering WMD threats.

• Rapidly assessing, developing, and testing sensors and sensing architectures for WMD threat detection.


• Exploring artificial intelligence, data analytics, sensor fusion, and autonomous systems for C-WMD applications.


• Evaluating technologies and architectures to enhance situational awareness in operational contexts.


• Forecasting and evaluating threat behavior using computational and experimental approaches.


• Developing models and simulations that integrate operational constraints, requirements, and concepts of operation.


• Designing, prototyping, and field-testing homeland protection systems.

This role requires intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for solving challenging technical problems. Activities include data analysis, mathematical / statistical modeling, algorithm development, and studying the interaction of sensing and autonomous systems with CBRNE threats in mission scenarios. Research often involves collaboration with stakeholders, first responders, and operational testing in both laboratory and field environments. If you are eager to apply your skills to critical national security challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting, we encourage you to apply.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. Related to Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, or related scientific field. In lieu of a M.S., a bachelor's degree with 4+ years of directly related experience will be considered.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.


• Effective written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to apply systems-level thinking to holistic chemical and biodefense solutions.

We welcome you to apply to become an impactful member of our team. MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a diverse workplace with excellent family benefits, mentorship programs and volunteer opportunities.

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.

Benefits

• 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.