Technical Staff

Group 72 - Fabrication Engineering

The Fabrication Engineering Group realizes prototype systems that demonstrate advanced technology. The group provides innovative fabrication, assembly, integration, and test of advanced hardware prototypes for national security applications. The group is involved from the initial design through the final build of prototype systems including important verification testing. The group concentrates on high-complexity parts, quick-turn capabilities and activities that require concurrent engineering with program teams.

Specific examples of fabrication activities include the precision machining of fiber mounts for airborne high energy laser systems, multi-functional structures using additive processes for ground-based radar systems, custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for space-borne data processing, and highly integrated mechanical packaging for undersea communication terminals. Core mechanical competencies span precision fabrication, additive manufacturing, and 5-axis machining. Core PCB assembly capabilities include design for manufacturability (DFM), advanced solder paste jet dispensing, flexible surface mount technology (SMT) pick-n-place systems, and automated optical inspection (AOI) machines.

Assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) capabilities include integration spaces, clean rooms, vibration testing, thermal testing, and space simulation chambers. The Group focuses on state-of-practice prototyping capabilities, exceptional collaboration, operational proficiency and technical excellence.

The Group seeks a talented, creative, and motivated staff member to strengthen the Group’s ability to provide rapid and innovative fabrication solutions to challenging problems. The successful candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary program team providing fabrication expertise, coordinating design for manufacturability reviews, facilitating fabrication activities, and developing and executing program fabrication plans working in close collaboration with program teams, internal shop operations, and internal group members.

A unique aspect of MIT LL is that we develop prototype systems rather than high volume production. The role of the technical staff will be to partner with program teams to realize prototype systems that demonstrate technology of national importance by offering expertise in fabrication engineering. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to grow in many exciting areas such as program management, research and technology development, operations management, and development of state-of-practice fabrication capabilities through the implementation of advanced digital processes and the design of a new engineering and prototyping facility.

• PhD degree in fabrication / manufacturing engineering or equivalent or MS degree with 5-years of relevant experience in fabrication and/or manufacturing engineering
• Proven leadership skills and ability to thrive in a team environment
• Ability to manage programs including cost, schedule, performance, scope and risk and an ability to develop and execute program fabrication plans
• Broad knowledge of current fabrication technologies and an interest to learn future fabrication technologies
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience utilizing digital engineering methodologies and data systems
• Experience with advanced mechanical and PCB assembly technologies
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews
• Experience with significant research and development efforts
• Experience with hands‑on machining and post‑processing operations
• Experience with hands‑on PCB assembly

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000