Sensor Test Engineer
Date: Feb 10, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Advanced Imager Technology Group develops imaging platforms that enable impactful national security capabilities and scientific discovery. From fundamental device research to developing camera technology for fielded systems, our group covers the full technology development spectrum from concept to prototype. Research areas include novel imager and detector design with in-house silicon and compound semiconductor microfabrication facilities, leading-edge integrated circuit design, and advanced packaging and 3D integration capabilities. Examples of our technology include large-format focal planes, high-speed imagers, time-of-arrival detectors (LADAR receivers), and low-light-level imagers. The group's efforts span the range of device and materials development, integrated circuit design and fabrication, custom packaging, detector hybridization, and the development of control and readout electronics for system-level demonstrations.
Job Description
The Advanced Imager Technology Group is seeking to hire an engineer to join its semiconductor device test team to assist in the characterization and understanding of novel photodetectors. The Group is building state-of-the-art, photon-counting receivers and other visible and infrared imagers for a variety of scientific and national security needs. This position will require versatility and creativity to design and carry out the appropriate measurements and then to analyze the data for validity and usefulness in answering the underlying device performance questions. The position requires independent thought and problem solving and using best science & engineering judgment to debug problems. The ideal candidate is expected to be able to operate both independently on their own experiments and as part of a group to achieve larger objectives.
The candidate will be a member of a small test team and must value teamwork, collaboration, and creative thinking. The test team fits within a larger vertically integrated team whose goal is to develop imaging systems for a wide variety of applications. The successful applicant must have a growth mindset with an expectation for continuous improvement of self and others through shared learning.
Requirements
Experience is required in one of the following areas, with preference given to candidates with experience in multiple areas:
- Familiarity with optical laboratory experimental design, test, and standard equipment including: power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, fiber components
- Competency in electronic test equipment including: oscilloscopes multimeters, power supplies, and frequency/pulse generators
- Scientific data analysis and data reduction (MATLAB, Python)
- Experience debugging and interpreting data products
- Experience formulating hypotheses, designing experiments to test the hypotheses, and evaluating data quality and relevance
- Candidates should hold a BS degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or similar. Relevant prior work experience of 3 years will be considered in lieu of formal degree.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate results and ideas – written or verbal.
Preferred Experience:
- Software programming (C/C++, Python or Matlab preferred)
- FPGA programming (Verilog)
- Firmware and software integration
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200-$120,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200-$150,000
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: 42679
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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