Senior Software Engineer-Technical Staff

The Software and Electronics Engineering Group collaborates with every research area at the Laboratory to create systems that accomplish their objectives in real-world scenarios and in unpredictable surroundings. Our engineers develop complex software and electronics systems, from concept to realization, for a variety of prototypes. We utilize the applied research approach to work on capabilities such as pointing and stabilization techniques to enable efficient space-based laser communication, and to build prototypes such as a ground‑based sensor to detect biological threats in real time.

Our engineers are developing airborne visual navigation; flight controls; and on‑orbit pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems. We have expertise in space‑qualified electronics, precision controls, firmware, embedded software, and application software.

Group 76, Software and Electronics Engineering, is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to work on the full software lifecycle for complex prototypes that are built by mission groups across the Laboratory. Activities may include software architecture, design, implementation, and integration & test of hardware/software systems in a laboratory setting. The successful candidate will be able to lead multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research and independently solve technical challenges.

Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required.

• Doctorate in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related fields (A master’s degree and 3‑5 years of relevant experience will be considered)
• Experience taking a lead role in building complex systems that have been successfully delivered to customers
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coherently convey complex technical details to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Experience developing modern, scalable, modulararchitectures
• Strong programming skills in a systems language (e.g., C/C++), a high‑level language (e.g., Java or Python), and a scripting language (e.g., Bash)

3 or more of the following

• Background in satellites, autonomous vehicles, or modern controls
• Familiarity with writing software/HDL for hardware (GPU, FPGA)
• Experience developing low level drivers
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Familiarity with Dev Sec Ops  pipeline processes and technologies
• Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lldb, etc
• Knowledge of communication and hardware protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP, UART, SPI, I2C, USB, PCIe, MIPI)
• Experience designing and developing hard real‑time software
• Experience using test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, spectrum analyzers and logic analyzers for integration and hardware debugging

Experience with program management and demonstrated oral and written communications skills are essential.

The Group supports a wide variety of mechanisms for staff to grow their skills and create a continual path for growth, including:

• Direct mentorship within the group and across the lab for projects and career guidance
• Collaboration across the Laboratory’s suite of programs to broaden your network internally and externally
• Community exposure through external conferences/meetings and internally‑hosted workshops that draw senior leaders from government and industry
• Continuing education through external coursework and internally‑developed courses on a variety of technical and project management fundamentals

60% onsite expectation

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

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

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity…