Tracking and Controls Engineer-Technical Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

41d•$145,200 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 Optical/Quantum Communications Technology Group seeks a full time Technical Staff member to contribute to the design, analysis, development, testing and integration of optical communications systems to support its lasercom prototype systems development in challenging channels such as atmospheric or undersea. In particular, an understanding of atmospheric effects, turbulence, and experience with adaptive optics or tracking technologies is highly desired, along with a strong controls and system analysis background. The staff member will work closely with a team of engineers to develop complex prototype optical communications hardware, with a focus on developing the pointing, acquisition and tracking systems for both space and ground terminals. The staff member will work closely with the rest of the engineering team, in particular with optical, mechanical, and software disciplines to implement the required technologies to achieve the appropriate performance in fielded demonstrations.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aero/Astro, Optical, or a Masters and 5 years of experience.
Demonstrated experience with controls systems, particularly with a focus on adaptive optics or tracking,
Demonstrated experience with systems analysis and modeling, particularly with understanding and analyzing atmospheric turbulence effects
Experience with integration and test as well as troubleshooting complex problems
Experience with MATLAB or other analysis tools relevant for systems analysis
Experience with free space optical communications hardware
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Willingness to work in a team environment
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

An understanding of atmospheric effects, turbulence, and experience with adaptive optics or tracking technologies is highly desired, along with a strong controls and system analysis background.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the design, analysis, development, testing and integration of optical communications systems to support its lasercom prototype systems development in challenging channels such as atmospheric or undersea.
Develop complex prototype optical communications hardware, with a focus on developing the pointing, acquisition and tracking systems for both space and ground terminals.
Work closely with the rest of the engineering team, in particular with optical, mechanical, and software disciplines to implement the required technologies to achieve the appropriate performance in fielded demonstrations.