Lead RF Engineer

Overview

MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Cyber-Physical Systems Group focuses on enabling full‑scope Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civilian government operations within the cyber domain and across traditional mission domains and sensing layers. We research and develop systems that provide situational awareness (SA) and command‑and‑control (C2) in the cyber domain, with key technology thrusts that include novel sensors, actuators, sense‑making, decision support, knowledge representation, human‑machine interface (HMI), visualization, automated planning, and cloud‑based information sharing architectures.

Our work integrates these capabilities into secure, resilient, cost‑effective information‑sharing architectures to support effective mission operations. Group strengths include software development, significant testbed infrastructure, and connections to challenges, people, systems, and data from multiple operational communities, as well as access to a number of government systems into which we integrate, deploy, and evaluate performance and effectiveness of mission operations.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a Lead RF Engineer with expertise in signal processing, embedded systems, and cybersecurity to advance our mission‑critical programs. The ideal candidate combines hands‑on experience in real‑time software development (C/C++, Python), digital signal processing (DSP), and RF engineering with technical leadership skills to mentor teams delivering solutions for environments at the tactical edge.

• Lead full‑cycle development of real‑time, resource‑constrained systems (e.g., SDR‑based adaptive filtering, GPS spoofing mitigation) using AI/ML and DSP techniques
• Architect and prototype cybersecurity capabilities to counteract SIGINT threats, jamming interference, and target tracking challenges
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design functioning prototypes aligned with operational constraints
• Mentor junior engineers in software development methodologies, technical problem‑solving, and embedded software lifecycle management
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to senior leadership and non‑specialist audiences

• PhD or MS with 5+ years experience. Degree requirement in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related fields
• Top Secret (SCI) clearance, with prior work on Department of Defense/intelligence programs (SIGINT, SATCOM, RF systems)
• Proficiency in DSP algorithm design, embedded software development (C/C++, Python), and real‑time system integration
• Familiarity with RF prototyping tools (e.g., SDR, MATLAB), test environments, and low‑level hardware interfaces
• Demonstrated leadership in technical teams, including mentorship of junior staff and program management

• Experience with AI/ML for signal analysis or cybersecurity (e.g., ML‑enhanced emitter classification)
• Strong commitment to innovation in cyber‑physical sensing systems, including field‑deployable solutions

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401(k)
• 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!

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200–$170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200–$220,000

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 : 42203