Robotics and Autonomous Control Systems Engineer-Technical Staff

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, located at the vibrant nexus of academia, industry, and government, we are renowned for our groundbreaking solutions to some of the nation’s most intricate and complex challenges. Within the Engineering Division, our team collaborates extensively—not only within the Laboratory but also across the MIT campus—bridging a myriad of disciplines to innovate through robust analysis, design, prototyping, and testing.
 

Our team culture is energized by our diverse group of talented professionals who bring a rich mix of skills and experiences to the table. We champion a balanced approach to work and life, promoting productivity through flexible schedules and hybrid work arrangements.
 

The Control and Autonomous Systems Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is at the forefront of research and development in autonomy. Our projects range from theoretical research to the actual deployment of systems in oceanic, terrestrial, aerial, and space environments. We are looking for innovative thinkers who are eager to drive advancements in autonomous systems and robotics. If you are ready to contribute to cutting-edge research and development within a multidisciplinary team, MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers a dynamic and supportive environment for you to thrive.

Position Description

Research and development topics utilized during physical prototype development or novel internally-funded research may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Feedback control, state estimation, and system identification of dynamical systems
• Modeling and fusion of sensors (e.g., GPS, IMU, LIDAR)
• Path-planning and scheduling algorithms for one or more agents
• SLAM in dynamic environments with sensor and communication constraints
• Computer vision; image and video processing
• Verification and validation of autonomous behaviors
• Modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex dynamical systems
• Human-machine teaming and collaboration

Hands-on team-based experience, a driven and self-motivated attitude, an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of one or more of the above topics, and a highly-skilled software engineering background are critically important to the role. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate well within teams of various sizes, maintain expertise in the field by attending research conferences and by staying current to relevant literature, mentor less-experienced staff, think critically and creatively about challenging problems, and communicate designs and results clearly to both internal peers and external program sponsors.

The successful candidate will assume significant responsibility for delivering novel capabilities of national significance. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with unique advanced sensors, communication systems, and unmanned platforms. The candidate will be supported with first-rate hardware, test infrastructure, talented peers, and a work environment that values excellence, continuous learning, and work-life balance.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in an engineering-related discipline (e.g., mechanical or electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics) with coursework and research emphasis on autonomous systems. In lieu of a Ph.D., an M.S. degree with 3+ years of experience conducting and publishing applied research in a robotics-related field
• Successful completion of complex hands-on projects involving autonomous or robotic systems operating in real-world environments
• Experience developing software in a collaborative, structured, and process-driven environment
• Knowledge of software engineering best practices
• Strong programming skills in a multi-threaded systems language (e.g., C++, Rust), a scripting language (e.g., Python), and a data analysis language (e.g., Julia, MATLAB)
• Experience with a software version control system
• Experience developing and publishing high-quality robotics and autonomous systems research
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong self-motivation, demonstrated ability for independent work

Additional Desired Skills (not required):

• Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS & ROS2)
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch)
• Experience with simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo)
• Experience writing low-level hardware drivers in Linux

Job Type – Primarily onsite with appropriate remote work possible.

Successful candidates will be submitted for Top Secret Clearance for future program needs.

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 will obtain and maintain a Secret clearance to start but must be willing and able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level DoD security clearance with compartmented program eligibility in the future.

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: 41522 

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