Electrical Engineer-Associate Staff
Date: Sep 14, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Optical & Quantum Communications Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments. Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems; robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities. Examples of near-term field tests include terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next-generation beam-director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep-space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed.
Position Description
The group is seeking a staff engineer to support research activities targeting development of both classical and quantum technologies. Examples of current technology development activities include on-demand entangled photon-sources, single-photon detector arrays, parametric nonlinear optical devices, quantum memory and synchronization subsystems. The primary goal for the candidate upon joining the group will be to support development of early prototype systems particularly through FPGA development, embedded software development, and hardware design, development and test from early concept through fielded demonstrations. In addition, controls experience, board design experience, or experience on rapid prototyping efforts beyond the lab bench will be helpful, particularly on projects for either laser communications or quantum communications.
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics with experience or coursework in FPGA development, embedded systems and microcontrollers, digital engineering, controls, and digital communication theory. C/C++ and Python for embedded environments required. Verilog / SystemVerilog or VHDL required. Experience with Vivado, Vitis, Petalinux, and Zynq / Zynq UltraScale+ SoC development strongly desired. Experience with Zynq UltraScale+ APU/RPU/FPGA interprocess communication strongly desired.
- Experience in some or all of the following areas is also desired: controls, rapid prototyping efforts beyond the lab bench, digital high-speed design and fabrication.
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400-$140,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400-$182,2000
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: 43345
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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