Software Engineering-Assistant

Software Engineering-Assistant Staff

Date: Feb 12, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Software and Electronics Engineering Group collaborates with every research area at the Laboratory to create systems that accomplish their objectives in real-world scenarios and in unpredictable surroundings. Our engineers develop complex software and electronics systems, from concept to realization, for a variety of prototypes. We utilize the applied research approach to work on capabilities such as pointing and stabilization techniques to enable efficient space-based laser communication, and to build prototypes such as a ground-based sensor to detect biological threats in real time.

Our engineers are developing airborne visual navigation; flight controls; and on-orbit pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems. We have expertise in space-qualified electronics, precision controls, firmware, embedded software, and application software.

Group 76, Software and Electronics Engineering, is seeking a Software Engineer to work on the full software lifecycle for complex prototypes that are built by mission groups across the Laboratory. Activities may include software design, implementation, and integration & test of hardware/software systems in a laboratory setting. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research and independently solve technical challenges.

Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required. Staff in this position will receive mentorship from senior engineers in order to grow into roles with increasing responsibility and broadening impact.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Strong programming skills in a systems language (e.g., C/C++), a high-level language (e.g., Java or Python), and a scripting language (e.g., Bash).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coherently convey complex technical details to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Prior internship or undergraduate research experience is highly desired.

• Background in satellites, autonomous vehicles, or modern controls
• Familiarity with writing software/HDL for hardware (GPU, FPGA)
• Experience developing low level drivers
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Familiarity with Dev Sec Ops  pipeline processes and technologies
• Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lldb, etc
• Knowledge of communication and hardware protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, PCIe, MIPI)
• Experience designing and developing hard real‑time software
• Experience using test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers and logic analyzers for integration and hardware debugging

We support a wide variety of mechanisms for staff to continually grow their skills including:

• Direct mentorship within the Group and across MIT LL for projects and career guidance.
• Participation in programs across MIT LL to broaden your network internally and externally.
• Community exposure through external conferences/meetings and internal workshops that draw senior leaders from government and industry.
• Continuing education through both external and internal courses on a variety of technical, communication, and work/project management fundamentals.

60% onsite expectation

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-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.

• 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 ofother 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 Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive…