Quantum Optics Communication Engineer-Technical Staff
Date: Feb 20, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Optical and Quantum Communication 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 Optical & Quantum Communications Technology Group is seeking a full-time Quantum Optics Communication Engineer to support programs targeting development of entanglement-based quantum communication network architectures and applications including, for example, distributed sensing and interconnected parallel quantum computing. The successful candidate should be proficient with quantum optical theory and have some familiarity with the experimental implementations and the practical limitations of quantum optical systems. The candidate should be able to analyze architectures for entanglement distribution, including: entanglement generation, Bell-state measurements, quantum memories with photonic interfaces (e.g., diamond defect-center based memories), qubit transduction, entanglement distillation, and interconnected quantum processors. Strongly desired is the ability to conduct information-theoretic communication system analysis with the goal of developing system architecture and design concepts to provide enhanced communications connectivity, bandwidth and performance. It is also desirable for the successful candidate to engage in proof-of-concept hardware or software demonstrations to validate new system capabilities and technology. Finally, familiarity with fiber-optics, integrated photonics, and free-space optical channels is desired.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics.
- Strong mathematical foundation and experience with quantum optics theory
- Experience working in a quantum optics group performing communications theory, information theory or signal processing analysis
- Experience with entanglement-based communications, sensing and computing applications and quantum network architectures
- Experience with state teleportation, fidelity analysis, and entanglement distillation
- Experience with basic concepts of quantum computing
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Willingness to work in a team environment
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000
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: 42740
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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