Asst Group Leader G72

The Fabrication Engineering Group realizes prototype systems that demonstrate advanced technology.  The group provides innovative fabrication, assembly, integration, and test of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. The group is involved from the initial design through the final build of prototype systems including important verification testing. The group concentrates on high-complexity parts, quick-turn capabilities and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams. Specific examples of fabrication activities include the precision machining of fiber mounts for airborne high energy laser systems, multi-functional structures using additive processes for ground-based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space-borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and advanced 5-axis machining. Core PCB assembly capabilities include advanced solder paste jet dispensing, highly capable surface mount technology (SMT) pick-n-place systems, and automated optical inspection (AOI) machines. Assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers.

Position Description

Group 72 (Fabrication Engineering) is seeking an Assistant Group Leader (AGL) to help lead a large and diverse group responsible for the fabrication and AI&T capabilities needed to develop advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications.

The AGL will provide technical and organizational leadership for group members while helping shape the group’s technical capabilities, operating model, and future direction. The successful candidate will work closely with group leadership, program managers, mission partners, Laboratory organizations, engineering teams, and shop operations to deliver complex and fast-turn prototype systems.

A key responsibility will be to modernize and optimize prototype operations by developing and sustaining agile, flexible, and resilient practices that can respond rapidly to evolving Laboratory and program priorities. The AGL will help improve resource allocation, operational visibility, manufacturing planning, quality management, and cross-functional coordination while maintaining the technical rigor and quality required for critical prototype development.

The AGL will help foster a collaborative team culture characterized by technical excellence, accountability, innovation, and an evolving growth mindset. The AGL will work with group leadership to evolve the organization in response to changing Laboratory needs, establish simple and effective interfaces across the broader engineering and Laboratory community, and develop future technical leaders.

The AGL may serve as a program manager (PM), deputy program manager (DPM) or similar role for complex prototyping efforts, providing technical and programmatic leadership across interdisciplinary teams. The AGL will also contribute to business and program development, group strategy, workforce development, and the advancement of modern digital and data-driven fabrication practices, including the application of artificial intelligence (AI).

Major Responsibilities

Group Strategy

• Define and execute strategic priorities aligned with Laboratory and national security needs
• Align investments in people, infrastructure, and technology with future mission needs
• Establish metrics to assess operational performance against strategic objectives
• Strengthen collaboration and simplify interfaces across the Laboratory
• Increase engagement with academic institutions, industry partners, and potential sponsors
• Support technology transfer to government and industry partners

Staff Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop fabrication engineering members and future technical leaders
• Provide technical oversight of fabrication and AI&T activities
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes technical excellence and ownership
• Drive strategic planning and execution of priorities, initiatives, and technical efforts
• Guide program team members to resolve technical challenges and deliver program objectives

Program Leadership

• Serve as PM or DPM for complex prototype development programs and/or provide leadership of fabrication and AI&T activities across a portfolio of porotype development efforts
• Lead multidisciplinary teams with responsibility for programmatic and technical leadership
• Resolve technical, manufacturing, supply-chain, schedule, quality, and resource challenges
• Partner with mission divisions and sponsors to identify and develop new funded opportunities

Agile and Flexible Operations

• Develop robust, flexible, and agile operating practices for fast-turn prototype development
• Advance operations through improved planning and operational visibility
• Modernize operations through automation, digital fabrication, data analytics, and AI
• Strengthen operations with resilience to material, supplier, and resource disruptions
• Establish scalable practices that balance engineering rigor with R&D speed and flexibility
• Apply Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve overall group performance

Capability Development

• Provide state-of-practice capabilities for increasingly complex prototype systems
• Anticipate future mission needs and develop technology roadmaps for related capabilities
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their potential to improve technical capabilities
• Develop novel fabrication solutions that expand engineering design and performance options
• Advance emerging fabrication and AI&T technologies

Required/Desired Qualifications

• Technical degree in engineering or a related field; MS or PhD desired
• Ability to align strategic planning with effective execution and delivery of organizational priorities
• Demonstrated technical excellence and leadership in fabrication engineering and operations
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and developing complex prototype systems
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, resources, performance, and risk
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment with changing priorities
• Broad knowledge of fabrication capabilities and ability to apply emerging technologies
• Ability to apply advances in AI and automation to agile, flexible, and data-driven operations
• 7+ years relevant technical experience desired

Hiring Range: $215,000-$300,000

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 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: 43344