UAV/Sensor Development, Prototyping, and Testing-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. 

Additional Job Overview Details

The Advanced Capabilities & Systems Group is seeking highly motivated engineers to join our team to develop new low-cost sensors across different modalities (RF, EO/IR, acoustic, etc.), electronic attack/protections (EA/EP) systems, and uncrewed airborne/surface/underwater vehicles (UAV/USV/UUV).  Successful candidates will work in teams to rapidly develop, integrate, prototype, and test complete systems to be transitioned for use by U.S service members.

The Advanced Capabilities & Systems Group works on innovative and fast-paced sensor development and uncrewed autonomous system programs (such as the Perdix micro UAS) from concept through operational prototype. Technical staff have the opportunity to work closely with service members to develop impactful solutions to some of the government’s most challenging problems.

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. 

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

• Experience with sensor development and integration including radar, passive RF receivers, EO/IR cameras, or acoustics
• Hands on experience designing, prototyping, and field-testing air, ground, surface, or underwater vehicles.
• Candidates should have strong skills in the development and presentation of technical materials to varied audiences.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong teamwork skills with the ability to work productively and collaboratively with other team members
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance required