Lasercom R&D Engineer-Assistant

Job Title

Help Define the Future of Free-Space Optical Communication

Location:

Lexington, MA

Security Clearance:
Secret Polygraph

Career Level:

Unspecified

Salary: $100,200 - $120,000

The Laser Communications Group designs, prototypes, analyzes, and tests free-space laser communications systems for a variety of government platforms and environments. Our research team develops new technology for laser communications systems, such as techniques to mitigate fluctuations in signal power caused by atmospheric turbulence, and methods to reduce wavefront distortions. We perform atmospheric modeling and simulation, and build precise acquisition, tracking, and pointing subsystems to support highly directional, low-probability-of-intercept communication links.

Major efforts within the group include the demonstration of a low-cost, high-performance airborne laser communications terminal, and the development of the nation's leading independent lasercom interoperability testing facility. We also serve as a trusted source of subject matter expertise to the US government on all aspects of laser communications. We are seeking a recent graduate ready to apply strong technical fundamentals to real experiments, real hardware, and real-world impact from day one.

This is not a "shadow the senior engineer for two years" role. You will be in the lab running experiments, performing modeling and analysis, and contributing directly to systems that matter.

What You'll Actually Do

• Design and characterize optical, RF, or software subsystems for next-generation free-space laser communication terminals
• Run experiments, troubleshoot issues, and iterate on solutions
• Perform modeling and analysis to inform technology investments and assess laboratory results
• Collaborate closely with a small, tight-knit technical team
• Apply theoretical fundamentals from your coursework or research to real hardware on an optical bench
• Contribute to systems that may support satellite, airborne, or other mission-critical platforms

Who You Are

• Curious and inquisitive. You ask "why" and "what if" as often as you ask "what's the answer."
• A STEM graduate (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Aerospace, Computer Science, or related field) with a strong theoretical foundation
• Comfortable with ambiguity. You can reason through open-ended problems without needing a step-by-step manual
• Hands-on. You have laboratory experience - coursework, research, capstone project, or otherwise
• A creative problem-solver who thinks beyond conventional constraints
• Someone motivated by work that has real-world national security impact

Nice-to-Haves (Not Deal breakers)

• Research experience in an optics, photonics, or similar experimental physics laboratory
• Exposure to any of: optical systems/alignment, analog circuit design, embedded/systems software
• Experience with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) or optical design software

Why Lincoln Laboratory

• Work on problems that don't exist anywhere else. We are often the first to attempt what we do.
• Strong mentorship. Senior technical staff who invest in your growth and development.
• Tuition assistance and continued learning. Access to MIT resources, conferences, and ongoing professional development.
• Work-life balance. Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a culture that respects your time.
• A mission that matters. Your work will support national security and advance state-of-the-art space communication capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related STEM field (completed or in progress, graduating within the 2026/2027 academic year)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Willingness and ability to work in a laboratory environment, including handling optical and electronic hardware
• US citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

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…