Space Systems Researcher / Engineer (Tech Staff)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

24d•$145,200 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group (Group 95) aims to solve our nation’s most demanding space-related security challenges backed by validated analysis, prototyping, and field demonstrations. We work with senior leaders in the US Space Force, Air Force, and Intelligence Community to provide unbiased analysis and innovative solutions that directly shape US national defense strategy. Our technical staff are skilled scientists and engineers with broad experience, eager to be on the leading edge of technology that will chart our nation’s future in space. All staff develop an understanding of the current state-of-the-art of U.S. and foreign space capabilities and maintain awareness of new technology developments with potential to impact the space domain. They collaborate with experts throughout the lab to break down and solve complex problems then clearly communicate key findings to a range of audiences including DoD senior leaders, government technology experts, and Lincoln Laboratory colleagues. Staff members often fill different roles and are encouraged to build diverse skills. Some examples of current Technical Staff roles include Computational Physics (developing modeling software for astrodynamics toolkits), Signal Processing (designing tools and pipelines to process observational data), Hardware Prototyping (designing and producing developmental hardware systems and sensors), and Technical Leadership (developing and executing strategies to solve research questions). Candidates are not expected to have previous experience in all these areas but must be able to leverage their strong technical background to rapidly learn and make contributions. The highly collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the group provides opportunities for Technical Staff to work on a variety of projects over time and explore new interests as they develop.

Requirements

PhD in a STEM field (including, but not limited to: Physics, Math, Computer Science, Aerospace, Astrodynamics, Engineering, etc.) OR Masters in a STEM field plus 5 or more years of relevant academic or industry experience OR Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field plus 10 or more years of relevant academic or industry experience
Previous experience in physics- and engineering-based modeling, simulation and analysis
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts and form clear, concise narratives
Willingness to work on-site in Lexington, MA up to 5 workdays per week during standard business hours
Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation
Willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required

Nice To Haves

Self-motivation – Ability to work independently with responsible time management.
Collaboration – Ability to work in teams, particularly multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

Develop an understanding of the current state-of-the-art of U.S. and foreign space capabilities.
Maintain awareness of new technology developments with potential to impact the space domain.
Collaborate with experts throughout the lab to break down and solve complex problems.
Clearly communicate key findings to a range of audiences including DoD senior leaders, government technology experts, and Lincoln Laboratory colleagues.
Develop modeling software for in-house astrodynamics toolkits (e.g., satellite propagation, guidance laws, sensors & observations, state estimation, tracking).
Design tools and pipelines to process observational data from optical, radar, and other instruments.
Analyze collected data and compare to theoretical models.
Design and produce developmental hardware systems and sensors.
Design and conduct measurement campaigns using prototypes in support of analysis studies.
Develop and execute strategies to solve research questions.
Guide and integrate the work of a technical team to identify and communicate solutions.
Propose new work to fill US capability gaps or meet emerging needs.