Quantum and Optical Communications-Assistant

Quantum and Optical Communications-Assistant Staff

Date: Jun 28, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Optical and Quantum Communication Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments. Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems;

robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next‑generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities. Examples of near‑term field tests include terabit‑per‑second direct‑to‑Earth small‑satellite constellations, near‑Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next‑generation beam‑director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep‑space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed.

The group is seeking a full‑time Assistant Staff member to contribute to research and development activities for quantum networking and free‑space optical communications technologies and systems. Examples of current technology development activities include on‑demand entangled photon‑sources, single‑photon detector arrays, parametric nonlinear optical devices, quantum memory and synchronization subsystems, adaptive optics systems, and optical modem technologies.

The primary goal for the candidate upon joining the group will be to support integration and testing of these technologies in a laboratory environment and in laboratory and fielded testbeds. This work will include significant interactions with other staff working in the group. We anticipate that the candidate will also support additional ongoing efforts in the group including quantum technology development and free‑space laser communication terminal development and testing.

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics with experience or coursework in nonlinear optics and/or quantum mechanics

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200 - $120,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200 - $150,000

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 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!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

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 : 42888