Associate Quantum Science and Engineering

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group focuses on accelerating quantum computing and quantum sensing using ion and solid‑state platforms. Core areas of the Group include fundamental quantum science to guide next‑generation advances, quantum devices (ion computing testbeds, precision clocks, magnetometers, and other sensors), and quantum systems such as magnetic‑assisted navigation and quantum microscopy for microelectronics diagnostics.

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group seeks a highly motivated, detail‑oriented, curious, and driven physicist, applied physicist, or electrical engineer with hands‑on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will join a close‑knit, dynamic team pushing the forefront of quantum sensing, with emphasis on solid‑state spin‑based sensors and their integration into practical systems. As an active participant in cutting‑edge research and development, the candidate can expect to face novel physics and engineering problems that require creative solutions daily.

This position involves working at the forefront of quantum technology to develop quantum sensing and imaging systems and the applications for these systems.

The candidate will contribute to building optical testbeds and sensing prototypes; integrating optical, RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical, and cryogenic subsystems; developing measurement control software and data analysis pipelines; performing precision measurements; and assisting in optimizing sensor performance in alignment with application and system‑level requirements. The successful candidate will have opportunities to grow into increasing technical responsibility as part of the Laboratory’s expanding quantum sensing portfolio.

• Hardware development, design, and construction (e.g. optical, RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical, cryogenic subsystems)
• Build and maintain optical testbeds and magnetic sensing prototypes
• System engineering and system integration
• Test and measurement
• Physics modeling of quantum systems
• Software programming for instrument control and data acquisition
• Data analysis and signal/image processing
• Laboratory validation and field testing

While a broad set of skills is desired, the majority of day‑to‑day tasks will be tailored to the applicant’s specific interests and strengths. Applicants should be comfortable both working alone in a self‑directed manner and also working closely with a highly integrated larger team.

• Master's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Basic laboratory experience (e.g. familiarity with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, analog circuits)
• Comfort with fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis
• Experience in self‑directed and group technical projects and research endeavors
• Experience using MATLAB and/or Mathematica
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

• Laser and optics experience
• RF, microwave, or analog circuit design
• Familiarity with spin systems, magnetometry, or solid‑state defect centers
• Coursework or research experience in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics or solid‑state physics
• Scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB, Lab View, Mathematica, etc.)
• Experience with signal processing, image reconstruction, or sensor data analysis
• CAD design (e.g. Solid Works)
• Embedded systems programming
• Familiarity with cryogenic, vacuum, or field‑deployable instrumentation systems

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 consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition