Robotics and Autonomy-Assistant Staff

Job Overview

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Assistant Staff provide critical support for domain-level innovative research supporting the Laboratory’s national security mission. They prototype state-of-the-art technology solutions and engage in many steps of a program lifecycle. As an Assistant Staff member, you will work with multidisciplinary project teams assisting with solutions to complex to moderately complex problems through research and technology development activities. In this highly contributory role, you will develop and grow your understanding of the Laboratory and the work we do for our research sponsors and on behalf of the nation while taking on defined research and technical assignments. Depending on the level, you will complete clearly scoped assignments with guidance or apply established methods with limited oversight while taking greater ownership of defined technical work. 

As a successful candidate, you will bring a strong technical foundation, curiosity, and an aptitude for technical growth. You will develop or deepen expertise within a primary technical domain, broaden your awareness of adjacent areas, and support activities such as hardware and software development, systems analysis, data analysis, component fabrication, system integration, testing, and documentation. 

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Support design, development, data analysis, programming, testing, troubleshooting, modeling, simulation, and documentation of systems or prototypes. 
• Apply basic or established technical practices, tools, and procedures to complete defined tasks and solve routine technical problems. 
• Contribute to data collection, documentation, and component- or subsystem-level deliverables supporting broader research and mission-focused efforts. 
• Learn and apply relevant mission context, technical standards, systems, platforms, and project processes. 
• Communicate progress, technical results, assumptions, risks, and questions clearly and incorporate feedback into technical work products. 
• Depending on level, identify small process improvements and assist new hires, interns, or less experienced staff. 

Exceptional Candidates may also have one or more of:

• Strong C++ skills, particularly for robotics software development.
• Direct exposure to advanced controls topics (e.g. optimal control).
• Experience with GPS denied navigation and modern state-estimation techniques for robotic systems
• Experience applying computer-vision methods and tools—including object detection, segmentation, 3D reconstruction, neural radiance fields and Gaussian splatting on robotic hardware platforms.
• Experience with multi-agent reinforcement learning, stochastic games, or adversarial and robust learning
• Demonstrated experience integrating, debugging, and validating autonomy algorithms and software on field-tested robotic platforms.
• Active DoD SECRET security clearance and ability to obtain TOP SECRET

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates will be considered for the appropriate level based on their education, experience, demonstrated technical capabilities, and the scope and complexity of their prior work. 

Level 1 – Assistant Staff 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Typically, no technical experience or relevant research experience required. 
• Foundational understanding of research principles, analytical methods, and structured problem solving. 
• Ability to learn and apply technical tools, systems, standards, and procedures within a team environment. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly, ask clarifying questions, and interact respectfully with colleagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated collaboration, curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to receive and apply feedback. 

Level 2 – Assistant Staff 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Typically, 1+ years of relevant research, engineering, or other technical experience; a Master’s degree may be considered. 
• Demonstrated ability to apply concepts and technical methods to routine problems. 
• Working knowledge of relevant tools, systems, standards, and documentation practices used in project execution. 
• Ability to complete assigned tasks accurately, manage time effectively, and communicate progress and risks. 
• Collaborative working style with an emerging ability to support others, contribute to team learning, and interact respectfully with colleagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders. 

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and experience developing software in Linux environments.
• Experience developing software with ROS/ROS2.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coherently convey complex technical details.
• Prior internship experience within the field of robotics or autonomous systems.