AI Researcher​/Prototyping Engineer

Job Overview

A research engineer focused on AI prototyping in national security, working with MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s AI Technology and Systems Group.

We develop machine learning algorithms for multimedia, speech, text, images, video, cyber security, and adversarial AI to support critical national missions.

• Design, program, and architect advanced ML methods.
• Develop algorithms in speech, natural language processing, multimedia, cyber, and graph analytics.
• Publish and present research at premier conferences.
• Research state‑of‑the‑art algorithms in signal processing, natural language processing, graph analytics, or adversarial AI.
• Apply innovative methods to challenging, real‑world problems.
• Work in a collaborative, team‑oriented development environment.

Candidate should possess a PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, or another relevant discipline, or have a master’s degree with at least five years of relevant experience.

• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, ideally with applications in multimedia, cybersecurity, or adversarial/assurance contexts.
• Deep AI/ML experience at the graduate or professional level, including state‑of‑the‑art machine learning, deep learning, large language models, multimodal perception, graph analytics, adversarial AI, AI‑assurance, or cyber‑ML.
• System analysis and problem decomposition skills: translate high‑level requirements into research tasks, define metrics, and produce task‑breakdown structures aligned with program milestones.
• Experience turning novel algorithms into reproducible prototypes within tight timelines.
• Hands‑on experience with agentic‑AI frameworks such as Lang Chain or comparable toolkits.
• Expert proficiency in Python and deep‑learning frameworks (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, etc.), the Huggingface ecosystem, Num Py, pandas, Sci Py, and related libraries.
• Strong software‑engineering practices:
  Git workflow, code reviews, continuous integration, and documentation.
• Team and project leadership experience, including task assignment, progress monitoring, and mentoring.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for preparing briefings, white papers, demos, and funding proposals.
• Detail‑oriented and able to multi‑task, working autonomously and with minimal supervision.
• Current TS/SCI clearance or willingness to obtain one.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401(k)
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• Work‑life balance options
• Additional perks and benefits are available.

Selected candidates 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.