Associate - Space Systems Engineer

Date: Sep 17, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Electronics for Contested Space Group develops advanced electronic systems and technology for the protection of our Nation's most important space capabilities. We design and develop state-of-the-art satellites and satellite payloads, novel concepts for resilient space architectures, and the Nation's most sensitive radars, optics, and passive RF systems. The group also provides engineering rigor and experience to some of the most critical National Security programs through Laboratory-wide collaboration and acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Government.

Recently we have prototyped electronic systems and effects, conducted hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing of tactically relevant payloads with surrogate threat systems, developed RF subsystems for satellites, and analyzed spacecraft mission dynamics, environments, and resiliency.

Group 94, Electronics for Contested Space, is seeking an aerospace/astronautical or systems analysis engineer to develop, analyze, design, and test the next generation of resilient space systems. This role presents the opportunity to be involved in projects at all stages, from pre‑concept ideas through mature and mission‑critical systems. Activities may include systems analysis, mission and trade studies, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, test and measurement, data collection and analysis, documentation, reporting, team communication, and coordination of activities.

As part of the Group's development of prototype systems, you will be involved in planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on experimental campaigns occurring in the laboratory and the field. The successful candidate will 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.

• Master's degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field
• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent and at least 3 years of relevant experience will be considered
• Significant professional or academic experience in at least two of the following areas:
  • Space mission analysis: mission design and planning, orbital mechanics and dynamics, performance prediction and analysis; engineering and scientific simulations (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink/Aerospace Toolbox, COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys/AGI STK)
  • Space systems engineering: concept development, integrated modeling, interface management, verification and validation, design and/or fielding of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems, risk assessment and mitigation
  • Space environment analysis and test: vibration, TVAC, thermal, radiation effects, payload integration
  • Space operations: deployment analysis, issue debugging, investigation, modeling, and mitigation
  • Test design, procedure development, and execution: collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting experimental data taken in an operational laboratory environment
  • Remote sensing: passive/active RF, laser, or optical systems for transmitting, receiving, and/or processing; detection and tracking; analysis, simulation, and high‑level design
  • Practical skills: investigative data analysis and rapid troubleshooting of prototype systems
• Demonstrable ability to:
  • Develop respectful, productive working relationships
  • Communicate clearly, precisely, and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Solve broad and/or complex technical or engineering problems
  • Learn and apply advanced technical knowledge quickly and proficiently
  • Work responsibly and safely in laboratory…