AI​/ML Engineer - Weather & Earth Systems

Date: Sep 30, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Air Traffic Control & Weather Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has a long history of developing innovative and impactful technologies that enable safe, efficient, and secure transportation. We work in a wide range of mission areas, including weather sensing and forecasting, air traffic control decision support and aviation cyber security. Our group brings together experts across multiple disciplines - systems analysis, meteorology, mathematics, computer science, aerospace engineering, human factors, flight operations, and others - to address the nation's transportation problems.

We develop advanced prototype systems and work closely with the US government, users, industry and academia to integrate and transfer them into real-world operations. Our technologies have been recognized nationally through numerous R&D100 awards, and we are proud to serve the country through our research.

We are seeking an AI/ML engineer to develop applications in weather and Earth systems domains from end to end, including dataset procurement, algorithm development and training, and integration of models into operational prototypes. A solid foundation in data science is critical for this role, as is a deep technical knowledge of weather and/or Earth systems science. Experience applying modern machine learning techniques to satellite and radar observations, in situ meteorological measurements, camera, satellite imagery, or numerical weather prediction models is strongly desired.

The ideal candidate will be able to think broadly about how modern AI/ML approaches can enhance environmental sensing, forecasting, and decision support capabilities, and be eager to contribute to both real-time operational system development and research-oriented trade studies.

Key project opportunities include:

• Conceptualizing, developing, testing, and deploying AI/ML algorithms using large scale environmental datasets and high performance computing resources
• Assessing algorithm performance through rigorous statistical and operational metrics, and documenting results in formal publications
• Building novel models and decision-support tools for weather situational awareness
• Contributing to NOAA, FAA, and DoW programs aimed at advancing national weather sensing, forecasting, and decision support needs

Our team provides both high-level and deeply technical analyses, including trade studies, reports, presentations, and publications (conferences, journals, etc.) for government sponsors. We take pride in serving as independent subject matter experts to the U.S. government and seek individuals who value the responsibility and impact associated with this mission.

• Ph.D. in Meteorology, Earth Systems Science, or related field of study, or M.S. in a related field of study with 5+ years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python and Linux environments
• Experience with advanced AI/ML techniques, specifically deep learning approaches
• Strong foundation in meteorological datasets and/or Earth system science
• Experience with high-performance supercomputing and/or cloud computing environments
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience with very large datasets
• Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing through journal publications, conference papers, and/or reports
• Outstanding oral presentation skills as demonstrated by conference presentations, etc.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000

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 posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements.

This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick,…