Inspector ; Mechanical

Date: Jan 27, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Fabrication Engineering Group provides rapid fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. Examples include the precision machining fiber mounts for airborne high‑energy laser systems, multi‑functional structures using additive processes for ground‑based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space‑borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and 5‑axis machining.

The group concentrates on high‑complexity parts, quick‑turn capabilities, and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams. Core PCB capabilities include design for manufacturability (DFM), automated solder paste dispensers, precise pick‑and‑place machines, and automated optical inspection systems. Assembly, integration, and test capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group focuses on state‑of‑the‑art prototyping capabilities, technical excellence, exceptional collaboration, and outstanding operation.

Seeking an individual with a demonstrated proficiency with the inspection of mechanical fabricated parts and commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) hardware.

A preferred candidate will have knowledge of machining practices and be able to read and interpret engineering drawings. Knowledge must include geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), complex datum references, and be familiar with ANSI Y14.5.

The inspector will be required to perform dimensional verification of mechanical parts and develop an inspection plan using available equipment. The inspector must be familiar with programming and operating coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) and vision systems based on solid models provided by the engineering community.

The inspector must be proficient with manual gaging including height gages, thread gages, pin gages, bore gages, micrometers, roughness gages, etc. The Group 72 mechanical inspection shop operates Zeiss CMMs and an OGP vision system, but experience on these specific platforms is not required.

Additional inspection equipment includes a FARO arm with linear scanner, FARO laser tracker, X‑Ray fluorescence material analysis, and digital X‑Ray. Inspection software includes Solidworks, Zeiss Calypso, CMM Manager, Spatial Analyzer, Geomagic Design

X, Polyworks, and Zone
3. Familiarity with any of these systems is a plus.

Part tracking and inspection result recording is performed in SAP and ARAS Innovator. Experience with SAP and PLM systems is a plus. Work may involve light to moderate lifting with a maximum of 50lbs. Basic computer skills required including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word). The candidate will be required to obtain a security clearance.

• Graduation from a two‑year day technical school or its equivalent and five (5) year’s applicable experience is required.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) are essential.
• Ability to develop advanced inspection skills for mission‑critical components.

Hiring Range: $38.53 - $42.92

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.

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