Technical Staff - Space Electronics Lead Engineer
Date: Sep 21, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Electronics for Contested Space Group develops advanced electronic systems and technology for the protection of our Nation’s most important space capabilities. We design and develop state-of-the-art satellites and satellite payloads, novel concepts for resilient space architectures, and the Nation’s most sensitive radars, optics, and passive RF systems. The group also provides engineering rigor and experience to some of the most critical National Security programs through Laboratory-wide collaboration and acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Government. Recently we have prototyped electronic systems and effects, conducted hardware-in-the-loop testing of tactically relevant payloads with surrogate threat systems, developed RF subsystems for satellites, and analyzed spacecraft mission dynamics, environments, and resiliency.
Job Description
Group 94, Electronics for Contested Space, is seeking a space electronics lead engineer to lead a team of electrical engineers in the design, integration, and test of the next generation of space payloads and systems. Payload designs will span digital, analog, RF, and power designs and answer the highest National Security needs of the nation. Activities will include: collaborating with other functional leads including payload, systems, firmware, and software leads to inform design and test trades, leading design reviews, ensuring consistent electronics standards are applied across subsystems, informing system-wide requirements and performance analyses, communicating with sponsors, and mentoring junior staff.
An ideal candidate is self-driven, able to effectively traverse from detailed design discussions to high-level stakeholder discussions, enjoys mentoring junior staff, and can effectively assess technical risk and make informed recommendations.
Requirements
- A PhD in Electrical Engineering and three years of related experience
- In lieu of the above, a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field and ten years of related experience
- Significant coursework, interest, and experience with high reliability electronics design at least one of the following areas:
- Analog /digital electronics design,
- Power system design,
- RF design,
- Satellite subsystem development,
- PCB layout
- Demonstrated ability to interact with others respectfully and develop productive working relationships.
- Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication.
- Familiarity with C/C++, MATLAB, Python, or other scientific programming languages.
- Ability to secure security clearance from the US Department of Defense
- Demonstrable ability to:
- Work responsibly and safely in laboratory and assembly environments
- Develop respectful, productive working relationships
- Communicate clearly, precisely, and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
- Solve broad and/or complex technical or engineering problems
- Learn and apply advanced technical knowledge quickly and proficiently
- Analytical and/or scientific programming proficiency and experience applying to solve real technical problems (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active Top Secret Security Clearance
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 Top 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: 43297
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment:
Testing, Defense, DoD, Electronics Engineer, Security Clearance, Technology, Government, Engineering
