Robotics and Autonomy-Assistant Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

4d•$92,000 - $128,000

About The Position

The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems for tactical-edge applications. The group combines expertise in algorithms, controls, and machine learning with rapid execution and direct input from operational end-users. It designs, builds, integrates, field-tests, and transitions autonomy systems for individual platforms and coordinated robot teams, including capabilities in multimodal sensing, localization, distributed decision-making, adaptive learning, and vehicle control, for use across the Department of War and Intelligence Community. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Assistant Staff support innovative research related to the Laboratory’s national security mission. They prototype technology solutions and contribute throughout program lifecycles, working with multidisciplinary teams on complex to moderately complex problems through research and technology development. The role offers opportunities to develop an understanding of the Laboratory and its research sponsors while completing defined research and technical assignments. The level of guidance and ownership varies by level: Level 1 staff complete clearly scoped work with guidance, while Level 2 staff apply established methods with limited oversight and take greater ownership of defined technical work. The successful candidate will bring a strong technical foundation, curiosity, and an aptitude for technical growth. The role involves developing or deepening expertise in a primary technical domain, learning about adjacent areas, and supporting hardware and software development, systems analysis, data analysis, component fabrication, system integration, testing, and documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or another relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Strong programming skills in Python and experience developing software in Linux environments.
Experience developing software with ROS/ROS2.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
Strong communication skills and the ability to coherently convey complex technical details.
Level 1: Foundational understanding of research principles, analytical methods, and structured problem solving; ability to learn and apply technical tools, systems, standards, and procedures within a team; effective written and verbal communication; collaboration, curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to receive and apply feedback. Typically, no technical or relevant research experience is required.
Level 2: Typically, 1 or more years of relevant research, engineering, or other technical experience; a Master’s degree may be considered. Demonstrated ability to apply concepts and technical methods to routine problems; working knowledge of relevant tools, systems, standards, and documentation practices; ability to complete tasks accurately, manage time, and communicate progress and risks; collaborative working style and emerging ability to support others and contribute to team learning.
Prior internship experience within robotics or autonomous systems.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Strong C++ skills, particularly for robotics software development.
Direct exposure to advanced controls topics, such as optimal control.
Experience with GPS-denied navigation and modern state-estimation techniques for robotic systems.
Experience applying computer-vision methods and tools, including object detection, segmentation, 3D reconstruction, neural radiance fields, and Gaussian splatting on robotic hardware platforms.
Experience with multi-agent reinforcement learning, stochastic games, or adversarial and robust learning.
Demonstrated experience integrating, debugging, and validating autonomy algorithms and software on field-tested robotic platforms.
Active DoD SECRET security clearance and ability to obtain TOP SECRET.

Responsibilities

Support the design, development, data analysis, programming, testing, troubleshooting, modeling, simulation, and documentation of systems or prototypes.
Apply basic or established technical practices, tools, and procedures to complete defined tasks and solve routine technical problems.
Contribute to data collection, documentation, and component- or subsystem-level deliverables supporting broader research and mission-focused efforts.
Learn and apply relevant mission context, technical standards, systems, platforms, and project processes.
Communicate progress, technical results, assumptions, risks, and questions clearly, and incorporate feedback into technical work products.
Depending on level, identify small process improvements and assist new hires, interns, or less experienced staff.