Technical Staff - Space Systems Engineer
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Lincoln Lab)
Lexington, MA · Posted October 16, 2026
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November 2026
- #2Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Northeast19% · of 48
- #2Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in New England19% · of 20
- #3Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in New England65 / 100 · of 11
- #4Best cities for pay after cost of living in New England$162k · of 11
- #4Best cities for pay after cost of living in Massachusetts$162k · of 9
- #4Best cities for software and engineering jobs in New England114 openings · of 24
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AI use among aerospace engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for aerospace engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
The Electronics for Contested Space Group develops advanced electronic systems and technology for the protection of our Nation’s most important space capabilities. We design and develop state-of-the-art satellites and satellite payloads, novel concepts for resilient space architectures, and the Nation’s most sensitive radars, optics, and passive RF systems. The group also provides engineering rigor and experience to some of the most critical National Security programs through Laboratory-wide collaboration and acts in an advisory capacity to the U.S. Government. Recently we have prototyped electronic systems and effects, conducted hardware-in-the-loop testing of tactically relevant payloads with surrogate threat systems, developed RF subsystems for satellites, and analyzed spacecraft mission dynamics, environments, and resiliency.
Job Description
Group 94, Electronics for Contested Space, is seeking an aerospace/astronautical or systems analysis engineer to lead the concept development, mission analysis, and prototyping of the next generation of resilient space systems. This role presents the opportunity to be involved in projects at all stages, from pre-concept ideas through mature and mission-critical systems. Activities may include systems analysis, mission and trade studies, systems engineering, prototyping, coordination of a high-performance team, and collaboration with contract and Government partners. The successful candidate will contribute to multi-disciplinary teams executing advanced research and independently solve complex technical challenges. Occasional travel to support field exercises, presentations to sponsors and the community, and other events may be required.
Requirements
PhD in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field
In lieu of the above, a Master’s degree or equivalent and at least 5 years of relevant experience will be considered
Significant professional or academic experience in at least two of the following areas:
Systems engineering: integrated modeling, concept development, risk assessment and analysis, interface management, definition and assessment of verification and validation
Space systems: design and/or fielding of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems, environment prediction and effects analysis, performance estimation, operations and operations support
Space Mission analysis: orbital mechanics, mission design and planning, space vehicle dynamics, optimization, resiliency analysis
Modeling and simulation: developing models of systems, environments, or effects; performance prediction and analysis; engineering and scientific simulation (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink/Aerospace Toolbox, COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys/AGI STK)
Remote sensing: passive/active RF, laser, or optical systems for transmitting, receiving, and/or processing; detection and tracking; analysis, simulation, and high-level design
Hardware testing: design, procedure development, planning, execution, and reporting of experimental data taken in an operational laboratory or field environment , troubleshooting of prototype systems
Demonstrable ability to:
Develop respectful, productive working relationships
Communicate clearly, precisely, and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences
Solve broad and/or complex technical or engineering problems
Work responsibly and safely in laboratory and operational field environments
Contribute to developing and flying spaceflight or other aerospace systems hardware as part of a team
Analytical and/or scientific programming proficiency (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar)
Familiarity with and ability to learn typical engineering software tools as may be required for analysis tasks
Active Top Secret security clearance desired
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 considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
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!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 43263