Aviation Cybersecurity Researcher
Date: Jan 20, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Air Traffic Control & Weather Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has a long history of developing innovative and impactful technologies that enable safe, efficient, and secure transportation. We work in a wide range of mission areas, including weather sensing and forecasting, air traffic control decision support and aviation cyber security. Our group brings together experts across multiple disciplines – systems analysis, meteorology, mathematics, computer science, aerospace engineering, human factors, flight operations, and others – to address the nation’s transportation problems. We develop advanced prototype systems and work closely with the US government, users, industry and academia to integrate and transfer them into real-world operations. Our technologies have been recognized nationally through numerous R&D100 awards, and we are proud to serve the country through our research. We offer a collegial work environment, value teamwork and diversity, and allow for flexible work arrangements.
Job Description
If you are passionate about aviation and cybersecurity, then Group 43 at MIT Lincoln Laboratory may be the place for you!
We are seeking a highly motivated aviation cybersecurity professional who can contribute to multiple ongoing research initiatives within a multi-disciplinary team of aviation research experts. Research opportunities include cyber-threat and vulnerability assessments, and development and evaluation of Zero Trust technology solutions to mitigate risk. Cyber-assessments are focused on aircraft on-board avionics, ground support equipment, ground support information systems, and air traffic control decision support systems and networks. Zero Trust Architecture resesarch is focused an development, integration, and evaluation of technology solutions that can be utlized in critical infrastructure operating environments, including air traffic control networks, aircraft manufacturing, and aircraft operations.
Requirements:
- MS in Cyber Intelligence and Security or related field of study, or BS in related field of study with 5+ years relevant work experience
- Demonstrated proficiency in Python, C, and Unix Shell programming languages
- Coursework or work experience in Linux Security, embedded systems, and aviation cybersecurity
- Experience planning and conducting human-in-the-loop experimental studies and/or cyber exercises focused on aviation
- Experience implementing proof-of-concept cyber zero-trust architectures
- Cyber Red-teaming and Blue-teaming experience
- Experience with RF Hacking
- Hands-on experience implementing ARINC 835 PKI standards for ensuring software integrity of airborne software
- Familiarity with FAA means of compliance for cybersecurity assessments (e.g., DO-326A)
- Experience presenting cybersecurity research at aviation-focused cybersecurity conferences
- Familiarity with industrial control systems cybersecurity
- Experience with avionics test-bed development based on ARINC 429 or other avionics standard
Desireable
- Aircraft pilot license
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 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: 42631
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment:
Cyber Security, Embedded, Testing, Aerospace Engineering, Security, Aviation, Technology, Engineering
