Technical Staff - Ionospheric Applications Physicist
Date: Mar 30, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Group 97 – Applied Space Systems
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Applied Space Systems Group develops a wide variety of sensor systems for detecting, tracking, and characterizing natural and man-made phenomena. The group has significant mission expertise in short-term and long-term environmental monitoring applications. With a focus on prototyping end-to-end systems, the Applied Space Systems group has deep technical expertise that spans a wide range, including architecture definition, physical modeling, sensor design, performance analysis, algorithm development, data processing, and operations. The group seeks physicists, space physicists, astronomers, applied mathematicians, electrical engineers, computer engineers and those with related experience who have interest in developing cutting edge remote sensing technologies and applications.
Example Applied Space Systems Group projects include:
- The NASA Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission
- Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series
- Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
- Applied Space Weather
Job Description
There is an increasing national need to understand the space environment and the impacts of variability on HF communications that rely on the ionosphere. The successful candidate will support and lead efforts to develop and integrate ionospheric models to improve the performance of radar, communication, surveillance and environmental monitoring systems. Experience in space weather modeling with specific applications to ionospheric radio frequency propagation is required. The successful candidate will work closely with the group office to identify and pursue business development opportunities for the space environments portfolio. Therefore, a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage programs is preferred. The candidate should have a strong understanding of plasma physics, numerical modeling, and data processing and assimilation methods. An understanding of signal processing algorithms and the dynamics of the heliosphere-magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Office products, MATLAB and Python is necessary. Excellent written and oral communications and interpersonal skills are mandatory. Experience working in the defense industry and with government sponsors is desirable.
Requirements:
- Ph.D. in Physics, Space Physics, Electrical Engineering, Astrophysics, Astronomy, or related area is preferred. In lieu of a Ph.D., an MS with a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience will be considered.
- Subject matter expertise in ionospheric applications
- Experience leading research and development teams
- Strong oral and written technical communications
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 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: 42837
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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