Associate Staff - Space Systems Engineer

MIT Lincoln LaboratoryLexington, MA
$116,400 - $220,000Onsite

About The Position

The Electronics for Contested Space Group develops advanced electronic systems and technology for the protection of our Nation’s most important space capabilities. We design and develop state-of-the-art satellites and satellite payloads, novel concepts for resilient space architectures, and the Nation’s most sensitive radars, optics, and passive RF systems. The group also provides engineering rigor and experience to some of the most critical National Security programs through Laboratory-wide collaboration and acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Government. Examples of recent projects include the prototyping of electronic systems and effects, hardware-in-the-loop testing of tactically relevant payloads with surrogate threat systems, developing RF subsystems for satellites, and analysis of spacecraft mission dynamics, environments, and resiliency. Group 94, Electronics for Contested Space, is seeking an aerospace/astronautical or systems analysis engineer to develop, analyze, design, and test the next generation of resilient space systems. This role presents the opportunity to be involved in projects at all stages, from pre-concept ideas through mature and mission-critical systems. Activities may include systems analysis, mission and trade studies, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, test and measurement, data collection and analysis, documentation, reporting, team communication, and coordination of activities. As part of the Group's development of prototype systems, you will be involved in planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on experimental campaigns occurring in the laboratory and the field. The successful candidate will 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.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field.
  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 3 years of relevant experience will be considered.
  • Significant professional or academic experience in at least two of the following areas: Space mission analysis (mission design and planning, orbital mechanics and dynamics, performance prediction and analysis; engineering and scientific simulations (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink/Aerospace Toolbox, COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys/AGI STK)); Space systems engineering (concept development, integrated modeling, interface management, verification and validation, design and/or fielding of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems, risk assessment and mitigation); Space environment analysis and test (vibration, TVAC, thermal, radiation effects, payload integration); Space operations (deployment analysis, issue debugging, investigation, modeling, and mitigation); Test design, procedure development, and execution (collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting experimental data taken in an operational laboratory environment); Remote sensing (passive/active RF, laser, or optical systems for transmitting, receiving, and/or processing; detection and tracking; analysis, simulation, and high-level design); Practical skills (investigative data analysis and rapid troubleshooting of prototype systems).
  • Demonstrable ability to develop respectful, productive working relationships.
  • Demonstrable ability to communicate clearly, precisely, and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Demonstrable ability to solve broad and/or complex technical or engineering problems.
  • Demonstrable ability to learn and apply advanced technical knowledge quickly and proficiently.
  • Demonstrable ability to work responsibly and safely in laboratory and operational field environments.
  • Demonstrable ability to draw on a broad engineering and scientific discipline knowledgebase and strong research skills.
  • Demonstrable ability to contribute to developing and flying spaceflight or other aerospace systems hardware as part of a team.
  • Analytical and/or scientific programming proficiency (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar).
  • Familiarity with, and ability to learn engineering tools, e.g., CAD, multi-physics simulation, satellite mission simulation and analysis, etc.
  • Active Top Secret security clearance desired.

Nice To Haves

  • Active Top Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Develop, analyze, design, and test the next generation of resilient space systems.
  • Conduct systems analysis, mission and trade studies.
  • Perform systems engineering.
  • Engage in modeling and simulation.
  • Conduct test and measurement.
  • Perform data collection and analysis.
  • Create documentation and reports.
  • Facilitate team communication and coordination of activities.
  • Plan, execute, analyze, and report on experimental campaigns in laboratory and field settings.
  • Contribute to multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research.
  • Independently solve technical challenges.
  • Support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events through occasional travel.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
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