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Embedded Systems Specialist

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Date: Sep 15, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Software and Electronics Engineering Group collaborates with every research area at the Laboratory to create systems that accomplish their objectives in real-world scenarios and in unpredictable surroundings. Our engineers develop complex software and electronics systems, from concept to realization, for a variety of prototypes. We utilize the applied research approach to work on capabilities such as pointing and stabilization techniques to enable efficient space-based laser communication, and to build prototypes such as a ground-based sensor to detect biological threats in real time. Our engineers are developing airborne visual navigation; flight controls; and on-orbit pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems. We have expertise in space-qualified electronics, precision controls, firmware, embedded software, and application software. 

Job Description

The Software and Electronics Engineering Group (Group 76) is seeking a Specialist to provide expert technical support for the integration, assembly, testing, and deployment of advanced electronics and embedded systems. This position is a highly skilled hands-on role responsible for ensuring hardware is properly configured, integrated, and validated throughout the prototype development lifecycle. 

The Specialist will work closely with technicians, engineers, and program managers to ensure that electronic systems are prepared for integration and testing, laboratory resources are coordinated, and testing activities are executed safely, efficiently, and with exceptional attention to detail.

Role Overview

As part of the Group's continued growth in advanced prototype development, the Specialist will: 

  • Serve as a technical expert supporting electronics integration and test activities.  

  • Coordinate laboratory resources to enable efficient hardware development and verification.  

  • Ensure hardware and test configurations are fully prepared prior to formal testing.  

  • Execute component-level and system-level testing for complex electronic systems.  

  • Help maintain the Laboratory's reputation for high-quality, reliable hardware execution. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Electronics Integration and Assembly 

  • Supervise assembly, modification, and integration of complex electronic hardware, including installation and removal of connectors, cables, harnesses, and related hardware.  
  • Procure components for Ground Support Equipment (GSE), when needed. 
  • Perform inspection of boards, cables, and GSE using work instructions, assembly drawings, and schematics. 
  • Coordinate preparation of electronic and embedded systems for laboratory and environmental testing.  
  • Verify hardware configurations prior to test execution.  
  • Assist engineering staff with troubleshooting, hardware modifications, and rework activities as needed. 

2. Test Planning and Execution 

  • Review test plans and procedures to ensure completeness, readiness, and successful execution.  
  • Coordinate and schedule testing activities by aligning personnel, laboratory space, equipment, instrumentation, and other required resources.  
  • Conduct test readiness reviews and dry runs to identify and resolve issues prior to formal testing.  
  • Execute electronics component-level and system-level testing, including bench-level, vibration, thermal, and EMI testing.  
  • Collect, document, and communicate test observations and results to engineering teams.  
  • Learn GSE software (Cosmos) for automated testing, run automated testing, and collect data. 
  • Support troubleshooting activities during integration and testing.  
  • Identify defects, propose rework procedures, and perform root cause analysis. 

3. Laboratory Operations 

  • Coordinate use of shared laboratory facilities and specialized test equipment.  
  • Ensure laboratories remain organized, operational, and compliant with applicable safety and cleanliness requirements.  
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and assist with calibration, configuration, and preventive maintenance.  
  • Recommend improvements to laboratory processes, workflows, and testing efficiency. 

4. Program Support 

  • Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the hardware development lifecycle.  
  • Support rapid prototype development, integration, environmental testing, and system demonstrations.  
  • Participate in design reviews, integration planning meetings, and test readiness activities.  
  • Provide hands-on technical expertise to help resolve hardware integration challenges. 

 

Requirements

  • Associate's degree, technical certification, military technical training, or equivalent experience in electronics, electrical engineering technology, or a related technical discipline.  
  • Extensive experience supporting electronics integration and testing in laboratory or production environments.  
  • Experience assembling, modifying, and troubleshooting electronic hardware, cable assemblies, and connectors.  
  • Demonstrated experience reviewing, editing, and executing formal hardware test procedures.  
  • Experience coordinating laboratory resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities for complex testing activities.  
  • Experience performing component-level and system-level electronics testing. 
  • Clean room training and experience working in clean room environments.  
  • Ability to work in closed areas, when required. 
  • Ability to work occasionally on flexible shifts, when needed during environmental testing 
  • Experience supporting flight hardware or other high-reliability systems.  
  • This position requires 100% onsite presence to support laboratory operations, integration activities, and testing.  
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance; TS/SCI preferred. 

Desired Characteristics

  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.  
  • Willingness to halt testing when safety is a concern or procedures are not clear. 
  • Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent test activities.  
  • Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.  
  • Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams. 
  • Ability to take detailed notes when test procedures need to be modified.  
  • Willingness to enforce proper test processes for safety and traceability. 
  • Strong communication skills and commitment to safe laboratory practices.  
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced prototype development environment supporting critical national security programs. 

Hiring Range: $89,400- $123,400

 

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: 43279 


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