Software Test Lead - Associate ; Group

Software Test Lead - Associate Staff (Group 76)

The Software and Electronics Engineering Group (76) collaborates with every research area at the Laboratory to create systems that accomplish their objectives in real‑world scenarios and in unpredictable surroundings. Our engineers develop complex software and electronics systems, from concept to realization, for a variety of prototypes. We utilize the applied research approach to work on capabilities such as pointing and stabilization techniques to enable efficient space‑based laser communication, and to build prototypes such as a ground‑based sensor to detect biological threats in real time.

Our engineers are developing airborne visual navigation, flight controls, and on‑orbit pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems. We have expertise in space‑qualified electronics, precision controls, firmware, embedded software, and application software.

Group 76, Software and Electronics Engineering, is seeking a Software Test Lead to work on the full software lifecycle for complex prototypes that are built by mission groups across the Laboratory. Activities may include software design, implementation, and integration & test of hardware/software systems in a laboratory setting. The successful candidate will be able to 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. Staff in this position will have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and begin to lead small teams over time.

Initial responsibilities will include:

• Serving as the test lead for AI&T activities, owning system‑level test execution across hardware and software disciplines
• Planning and coordinating test operations, including managing the test job board and prioritizing work for test operators and engineers
• Lead hands‑on lab testing, configuring and operating electronic test equipment and automated test setups to verify system performance against requirements
• Drive test automation and process improvements to increase repeatability, efficiency, and traceability of tests and results

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience
  • A bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience will be considered
• Strong scripting experience (e.g., COSMOS, Ruby, or similar)
• Programming experience in C/C+
• Experience using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers and logic analyzers for integration and hardware debugging
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team
• Experience leading small teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coherently convey complex technical details to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• TS/SCI clearance preferred

• Background in satellites, autonomous vehicles, or modern controls
• Familiarity with writing software/HDL for hardware (GPU, FPGA)
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Familiarity with Dev Sec Ops  pipeline processes and technologies
• Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lldb, etc
• Knowledge of communication and hardware protocols (e.g. UDP, TCP, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, PCIe, MIPI)
• Experience designing and developing hard real‑time software
• Experience developing software for high reliability environments (DO‑178, ISO 13485, NPR 7150.2)

We support a wide variety of mechanisms for staff to continually grow their skills including:

• Direct mentorship within the Group and across MIT LL for projects and career guidance.
• Participation in programs across MIT LL to broaden your network internally and externally.
• Community exposure through external conferences/meetings and internal workshops that draw senior leaders from government and industry.
• Continuing education through both external and internal courses on a variety of technical, communication, and work/project management fundamentals.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400 - $140,000

Experienced Hiring…