Technical Staff; Optical AI&T

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security, but to the advancement of science itself. The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one‑of‑a‑kind optical systems for terrestrial, air, and space missions of national importance. Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems, and high energy laser optical systems.

The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under challenging conditions. Recently, this included compact, extremely wide field‑of‑view space telescopes; ultra‑compact, freeform optics‑based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber‑encapsulated ultra‑small optical imaging systems. The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer‑reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards.

The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.

We are seeking talented and driven professionals who are excited to work on challenging real‑world problems, develop and execute novel ideas, and work as an integral part of highly collaborative and nurturing teams. Lincoln Laboratory offers abundant opportunities and resources for learning and professional development, as well as a collaborative work environment across many disciplines.

We are seeking highly skilled Optical AI&T Engineers who are eager to work on one‑of‑a‑kind complex prototyping efforts for imaging, communication, and/or directed energy applications. The role involves planning and design in preparation for extensive assembly, integration, and test activities in laboratory clean rooms.

An experienced optomechanical engineer’s roles and responsibilities can include a combination of the following, depending on the programs they are working on at the time.

• Holistic planning for optical system AI&T: develop alignment approach, derive requirements, outline process flow, and develop any GSE needed
• Executing assembly and alignment of free‑space and fiber‑optic optical assemblies, including integration of sensors and system performance characterization
• Specify custom optical components and assess supplier capabilities
• Write AI&T procedures, document build activities, and participate in troubleshooting and issue resolution
• Run environmental test campaigns to characterize assemblies’ performance over operating and survival conditions

Ample opportunities for learning, technical growth, and mentorship are available to all staff through programs, training, and research initiatives. Staff work in small, effective, multi‑disciplinary teams of engineers and specialists with varying experience levels in a respectful and collaborative environment.

• PhD plus 5‑years of relevant experience, or MS plus 7‑years relevant experience, with degree in optics/optical engineering/optical sciences, or engineering with a concentration in the above.
• Experienced in assembling, aligning, and testing refractive and reflective optical components and systems.
• Working familiarity with interferometers, autocollimators, alignment telescopes, theodolites, profilers and/or wavefront sensors.
• Broad understanding of optical fabrication techniques and specifications and capable of evaluating vendors’ capabilities.
• Familiarity with optical design code to establish component and alignment tolerances and/or troubleshoot assembly’s performance issues.
• Track record of having worked on complex optical systems in industry/Labs/UARCs/etc
• Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work.
• Experience leading…