Senior Software Engineer-Technical Staff
Date: Mar 5, 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.
Position Description
Group 76, Software and Electronics Engineering, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to work on the full software lifecycle for complex prototypes that are built by mission groups across the Laboratory. Activities may include software architecture, design, implementation, and integration & test of hardware/software systems in a laboratory setting. The successful candidate will be able to lead multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research and independently solve technical challenges. Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctorate in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related fields (A master’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience will be considered)
- Experience taking a lead role in building complex systems that have been successfully delivered to customers
- 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 to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience developing modern, scalable, modular architectures
- Strong programming skills in a systems language (e.g., C/C++ ), a high-level language (e.g., Java or Python), and a scripting language (e.g., Bash)
Preferred Qualifications
3 or more of the following
- Background in satellites, autonomous vehicles, or modern controls
- Familiarity with writing software/HDL for hardware (GPU, FPGA)
- Experience developing low level drivers
- Experience with Agile development methodologies
- Familiarity with DevSecOps pipeline processes and technologies
- Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lldb, etc
- Knowledge of communication and hardware protocols (e.g. UDP, TCP, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, PCIe, MIPI)
- Experience designing and developing hard real-time software
- Experience using test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers and logic analyzers for integration and hardware debugging
Experience with program management and demonstrated oral and written communications skills are essential.
Growth Opportunities
The Group supports a wide variety of mechanisms for staff to grow their skills and create a continual path for growth, including:
- Direct mentorship within the group and across the lab for projects and career guidance
- Collaboration across the Laboratory’s suite of programs to broaden your network internally and externally
- Community exposure through external conferences/meetings and internally-hosted workshops that draw senior leaders from government and industry
- Continuing education through external coursework and internally-developed courses on a variety of technical and project management fundamentals
60% onsite expectation
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: 42779
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment:
Test Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Testing, Embedded, Security Clearance, Engineering, Technology, Government
