Associate Staff - Programming
Date: Jan 8, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Satellites perform important civil, scientific, and national defense functions such as navigation, communications, weather forecasting, astronomical observations, and surveillance. As space becomes increasingly congested and contested, it is critical to maintain awareness of objects around the Earth to ensure the safe and effective operation of U.S. satellites. The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group prototypes, develops and tests some of the world’s most advanced electro-optical and radio frequency (RF) space surveillance sensors. We have access to space surveillance sensors at our main campus in Lexington, MA, and at the Lincoln Space Surveillance Complex in Westford, MA, the Experimental Test Site in Socorro, NM, and the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands.
Our team explores novel concepts, develops them into prototypes, and turns those prototypes into impactful operational capabilities. Recent examples include:
- Automated high-resolution radar image processing algorithm development
- Novel artificial intelligence-based target characterization algorithm development
- Advanced radar signal processing algorithm development
- Implementation of transmitter and receiver upgrades for the world’s most sensitive radars
- Integration and operation of a state-of-the-art telescope for space domain awareness
- Demonstration of high-precision multi-sensor data fusion
- Design and demonstration of long-baseline multistatic radars
Job Description
The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group seeks a candidate to help develop software for the next generation of advanced radar systems for space surveillance. Tasks include radar operating system software design and development, user interface development, troubleshooting of software and data processing issues, and interfacing with mission partners and users. The successful candidate will collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to develop and demonstrate innovative concepts leveraging real-world data and access to world-class sensors. Assignments require the candidate to work independently and in a team environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. We seek highly motivated, exceptionally bright and creative individuals who can think broadly, analyze complex problems, and develop cutting-edge technology in support of National Security.
Requirements
- MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other related technical field, OR BS plus 3+ years of relevant experience.
- Proficiency with C/C++
- Proficiency with Linux systems
- Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or other scientific programming languages
- Preference for experience with publish/subscribe middleware
- Demonstrated ability to solve broad technical problems and complex software engineering challenges
- Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and develop strong working relationships
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 benefit
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: 42553
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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