Materials Characterization - Specialist

Date: Jan 15, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Structural & Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group provides innovative, multidisciplinary engineering for sea, ground, air, and space-based prototype systems for national security applications. This work spans from the design phase through the analysis, build and test phases of programs. Our staff can play various roles on programs, ranging from individual contributors to program managers. The Group integrates cutting‑edge technologies with high‑fidelity modeling, multidisciplinary simulation, environmental testing, and advanced materials to design and build prototypes that meet challenging performance, size and weight requirements in a wide range of environments.

The Group is seeking a Specialist to work in our Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL). This specialist must have hands‑on experience in running test equipment, compiling data, and interfacing with customers. Core responsibilities within the MCL include setting up and operating instruments, designing mechanical fixtures, developing auxiliary data acquisition equipment, performing tests, troubleshooting issues during testing, and ensuring proper logging and documentation of test results.

The specialist will also contribute to maintaining lab inventory, tracking and replenishing consumables, overseeing general lab organization, and working on facilities‑related tasks such as inspections and procurements. As the primary instrument and test equipment operator within the MCL, the specialist must have experience interacting with customers to communicate progress and resolve issues. Some test equipment in the MCL includes a Universal Test Machine (UTS, Instron), Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), Thermal Mechanical Analyzer (TMA), Rheometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA);

experience with these or similar instruments is highly desirable. Additionally, developing instrumentation setups (e.g., readouts for thermocouples or humidity sensors, setting up power supplies for auxiliary sensors) is highly desirable as well.

We seek individuals who are detail-oriented, self‑motivated, capable of multitasking, and comfortable working in dynamic environments. Candidates should demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Familiarity with safety and environmental health protocols is preferred.

The successful candidate will work with the MCL manager to support hardware testing and instrumentation development across various projects. The position may require occasional travel to customer sites or field locations.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2-5 years experience in instrumentation operation and data logging
• Familiarity with running test equipment, developing instrumentation, and troubleshooting hardware
• Experience with instrument setup, fixtures, consumables management, and auxiliary data acquisition equipment
• Strong organizational skills to manage lab inventory, track consumables, and ensure proper documentation of tests
• Excellent communication skills for customer interaction and progress reporting
• Ability to troubleshoot issues during testing and provide solutions independently or collaboratively
• Basic computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication
• Willingness to learn new tools and techniques as required by the projects

• Knowledge of EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) protocols and experience with lab cleanliness and organization
• Experience developing instrumentation setups (e.g., readouts for thermocouples or humidity sensors, setting up power supplies for auxiliary sensors)
• Technical certifications or direct relevant experience operating instrumentation listed in description

• 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
• ... and much more!

Hiring Range:…