Associate Staff - RF System Design and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations
Date: Sep 17, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Electronics for Contested Space Group develops advanced electronic systems and technology for the protection of our Nation’s most important space capabilities. We design and develop state-of-the-art satellites and satellite payloads, novel concepts for resilient space architectures, and the Nation’s most sensitive radars, optics, and passive RF systems. The group also provides engineering rigor and experience to some of the most critical National Security programs through Laboratory-wide collaboration and acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Government. Recently we have prototyped electronic systems and effects, conducted hardware-in-the-loop testing of tactically relevant payloads with surrogate threat systems, developed RF subsystems for satellites, and analyzed spacecraft mission dynamics, environments, and resiliency.
Job Description
Group 94, Electronics for Contested Space, is seeking an electrical engineer and/or physicist to design, build, and advance technology for electronic, electromagnetic, and RF systems. The successful candidate will work on multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research and developing systems critical to National Security. Experienced engineers with strong interest in electromagnetics, remote sensing, RF / antenna design, electronic warfare, and RF applications are strongly encouraged to apply. Typical tasks may include:
- System engineering and subsystem design
- Computational modeling and simulation of complex and highly sensitive systems
- Hardware development, design, and optimization, e.g., RF/microwave and electronic subsystems
- Integration, test, measurement, analysis, and troubleshooting
- Laboratory validation and field testing of sensors and systems
- Development of new and creative ideas for novel sensor technologies and applications
Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a relevant technical field
- In lieu of a Master's, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 3 years of relevant experience will be considered
- Significant professional or academic experience in at least two of the following areas:
- Electromagnetic and RF engineering (system and/or design level)
- Radar systems: including radar system design, evaluation and analysis
- Remote sensing: passive/active RF and optical systems analysis, simulation, high-level design
- Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations and ES/EA/EP applications
- Physics: classical electromagnetics, plasmas, optics, ionizing radiation
- Systems engineering: integrated modeling, interface management, concept development
- Space systems: vehicle design, environment analysis, performance estimation, risk assessment
- Demonstrable ability to:
- Work responsibly and safely in laboratory and assembly environments
- Develop respectful, productive working relationships
- Communicate clearly, precisely, and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
- Solve broad and/or complex technical and/or engineering problems
- Learn and apply advanced technical knowledge quickly and proficiently
- Analytic and/or scientific programming proficiency and experience (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar)
Desired Skills
- Active Top Secret Security Clearance highly desired
- Hands-on laboratory experience, including troubleshooting of complex systems and experience with laboratory measurement and characterization (e.g., analog circuits, impedance analyzers, vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes)
- Strong foundation in fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis
- Experience with advanced sensors including quantum sensors, e.g., Rydberg atomic sensors, precision clocks, and magnetometers
- Experience with extremely sensitive RF applications including radiometers and electronic surveillance
- Experience developing engineering and scientific analyses, simulations in MATLAB (core, Simulink, and Aerospace Toolbox), COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Systems/Satellite Tool Kit (AGI STK)
- Experience analyzing large datasets in MATLAB, Python, R, or C/C++
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
- 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 Top 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: 43286
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment:
Electrical Engineering, Security Clearance, RF, Laboratory, RF Engineer, Engineering, Government, Science
