Engineering Assistant

Engineering Assistant

Date: Feb 18, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems where it counts - at the tactical edge. As an FFRDC, we combine academic depth in algorithms, controls, and machine learning, the execution speed of industry, and direct mission pull from operational end-users to solve problems others’t. We don’t stop at papers: we design, build, integrate, field-test, and transition autonomy stacks - spanning perception, decision-making, learning, and control - into real operations across the DoD and Intelligence Community.

This position is for a Drone Test Engineer responsible for the full life-cycle of testing research-oriented robots for the air, ground, and maritime domains. The Drone Test Engineer also shares responsibility for day-to-day operations of the Autonomous Systems Development Facility (ASDF), including support to engineering staff from across the organization in the development of autonomous system prototypes, from implementation through indoor and outdoor testing and field experimentation.

Activities include building experimental UxS, integrating payloads and software, debugging and editing software as needed, transporting, flying UxS, and post-processing data from field tests. The role also has a significant footprint surrounding field test planning and getting appropriate test plans approved internally and externally.

• Operation of fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs in indoor and outdoor environments as part of experimental campaigns (FAA Part 107 required)
• Hands‑on development of robotic systems, including maintaining, configuring, and upgrading a diverse fleet of autonomous platforms
• Planning, design, setup, and execution of indoor and outdoor experiments, including test safety, data collection, and post‑processing
• Design and development of specialized test fixtures, instrumentation, software, and electronic circuits as required to support experimentation
• Maintain the overall functionality of the facility, including routine maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, safety compliance, and proposing future investments and capability expansions
• Operate and maintain field‑testing vans and SUVs, including hauling equipment via trailers and operating large vehicles (e.g., Sprinter 2500) in support of test activities

General knowledge of electronic and computer equipment, software systems, and experimental testing techniques is required. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple concurrent tasks with minimal supervision. This role requires strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, coordinate and delegate work, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment.

• Bachelors in Engineering or related field with minimum of 3 years of experience in a research or applied engineering environment
• Experience writing, reviewing, and overseeing UAV flight test planning
• In-depth knowledge of commercial and military autonomous vehicles (ground, maritime, and airborne) and experience maintaining, deploying, interfacing with and operating these systems in laboratory and field environments
• Active drone pilot's license (FAA Part 107)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Flight training certificate such as AUVSI TOP Level 2 Fixed Wing course
• Degree related to autonomous systems, robotics, controls, or artificial intelligence
• Prior experience working directly with military end-users, or prior military service related to autonomous systems
• Strong working knowledge of Linux operating systems and demonstrated proficiency in interfacing with and debugging C/C++, ROS, and Python
• Proficiency with scripting and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB) and spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) for experimental data collection, along with configuration management and version control tools such as Git Hub
• Experience using, interfacing with, and modifying common robotics ground control (e.g., QGround
  
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