Sensor Test Engineer

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.

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.

Experience is required in one of the following areas, with preference given to candidates with experience in multiple areas:

• Familiarity with optical laboratory experiment 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.

• 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—and 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.

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