AI and Data Science Solution Engineer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory • Lexington, MA

3d • $140,000 - $207,000

About The Position

The Homeland Sensors and Analytics Group seeks a researcher and engineer to build software solutions incorporating advanced algorithms, AI/ML, and data science models. The work supports Homeland Security and Defense applications and is performed on collaborative, interdisciplinary teams; the selected candidate may sometimes serve as team lead. The role directs the design, software implementation, and testing of novel algorithms, and offers opportunities to research mission-relevant analytics models and techniques, learn about their applications, and help deploy solutions for operational impact. The candidate will interface with US Government agencies and user communities to discuss technical concepts and present results.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Technical Staff conduct innovative research supporting national security, prototype state-of-the-art technology, and engage across the program lifecycle. Depending on level, the role leads projects, major workstreams, complex programs, multi-program initiatives, or technical portfolios. The work includes translating broad strategy into executable plans, integrating technical expertise across disciplines, guiding multidisciplinary teams through ambiguity and trade-offs, and supporting sponsors and Laboratory leadership through briefings, documentation, proposals, and technical roadmaps. The role also includes mentoring technical staff.

The broader group develops sensing and analytics solutions that improve tactical decision-making for analysts and operators protecting critical infrastructure, borders, transportation systems, and crowded places, and supporting law enforcement, special operations, and intelligence missions. Systems collect and process data such as radar, visible and non-visible imagery and video, text, time-series data, and 3D point clouds, often using machine learning to turn raw data into actionable insights. The group emphasizes transitioning technology from concept through deployment to achieve operational impact.

Candidates will be considered at Level 5 or Level 6 based on education, experience, demonstrated technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the scale and complexity of technical efforts led. The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance; employment is subject to a pre-employment background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, statistics, electrical engineering, information science, applied mathematics, data science, or an equivalent field; alternatively, a Master's degree with at least 4 years of directly related experience.
• Knowledge of developing, implementing, testing, and evaluating algorithms and software.
• Proficiency with Python.
• Experience with one or more common machine learning, computer vision, or natural language processing toolboxes.
• Experience architecting and building software systems designed to meet end-user requirements.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to share technical concepts clearly with varied audiences.
• Experience with software development best practices and collaboration tools such as GitHub.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance; the role is subject to a pre-employment background investigation.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Level 5 education and experience: bachelor's degree in a STEM or relevant technical field and typically 6+ years of relevant experience; or master's degree and typically 4+ years; or Ph.D. and typically 0+ years; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Level 5: diverse technical expertise and ability to adapt to unfamiliar or emerging disciplines, systems, mission areas, or methods; significant technical judgment; ability to lead projects or major workstreams and deliver complex outcomes; experience evaluating trade-offs and adapting technical approaches; mentorship, collaboration, and communication skills; and experience contributing to formal technical deliverables.
• Level 6 education and experience: bachelor's degree in a STEM or relevant technical field and typically 8+ years of relevant experience; or master's degree and typically 6+ years; or Ph.D. and typically 2+ years; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Level 6: deep, diverse technical expertise and ability to integrate knowledge across domains; technical judgment incorporating program context and stakeholder input; proven experience leading complex programs, significant program elements, or multi-team technical efforts; ability to manage ambiguity and influence decisions; strong mentorship, collaboration, communication, and team capability development; and experience contributing to materials that shape program direction or technical initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in statistical modeling and inference.
• Experience in social network analysis.
• Experience with AI/ML models and methods.
• Experience collecting and analyzing publicly available information.
• Familiarity with additional programming languages such as C++ or Java.
• Experience with DevSecOps or CI/CD practices.
• Familiarity with frontier AI/ML models.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects, complex programs, major technical workstreams, multi-program initiatives, or technical portfolios involving multidisciplinary development, analysis, prototyping, integration, testing, evaluation, and technology transition.
• Direct the design, software implementation, and testing of novel algorithms for Homeland Security and Defense applications.
• Apply technical expertise and systems-level judgment to complex, ambiguous problems, evaluating alternatives, trade-offs, risks, stakeholder needs, and mission implications.
• Translate broad or unclear objectives into actionable technical plans and influence program direction, architectures, systems, priorities, and roadmaps.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, sponsors, mission partners, and internal leaders to align priorities, resolve dependencies, and guide decisions and deliverables.
• Assess and improve technical tools, processes, methods, documentation, execution practices, and organizational capability.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor by reviewing work, framing trade-offs and risks, and developing staff and emerging leaders.
• Contribute to papers, reports, presentations, proposals, grants, roadmaps, and other materials that advance mission outcomes and technical direction.
• Conduct independent research on applicable analytics models and techniques and support deployment of developed solutions.
• Interface with US Government agencies and user communities to discuss technical concepts and present results.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
• MIT-funded pension.
• Matching 401K.
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick, parental, and military leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs.
• Mentorship programs.
• Work-life balance options.
• Other voluntary benefits, discounts, and perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree