What are the responsibilities and job description for the Autonomy Engineer-Associate Staff position at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
Date: Jul 13, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems where it counts - at the tactical edge. As an FFRDC, we combine academic depth in algorithms, controls, and machine learning, the execution speed of industry, and direct mission pull from operational end-users to solve problems others can't. We don't stop at papers: we design, build, integrate, field-test, and transition autonomy stacks - spanning perception, decision-making, learning, and control - into real operations across the DoD and Intelligence Community.
The Tactical Autonomy Group is seeking a senior autonomous systems developer to design, build, and test state-of-the-art autonomous systems as part of an agile, cross-functional team. Responsibilities include concept development, modeling & simulation, feasibility assessment, system design, system development/construction, component and system testing, and supporting analysis. Additional responsibilities include customer presentations and demonstrations, team/project management, and staff mentorship.
Our team works on innovative and fast-paced autonomous system programs from concept through operational prototype. We also continue to push the cutting edge in autonomy and AI research. Autonomy research and development topics could include one or more of the following: guidance/planning, estimation and feedback control, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer vision.
- M.S. in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or related field with coursework and research emphasis on autonomous systems / robotics.
- In lieu of a M.S., a Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of directly related experience will be considered.
- Hands on experience developing autonomous systems operating in real world environments.
- Experience with modern feedback control and state estimation.
- Programming experience with C , Python, and ROS using a Linux development environment.
- Candidates should have strong skills in the development and presentation of technical materials to varied audiences.
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400 - $140,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400 - $182,200
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 pagefor more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage ofother 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 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:43140
Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment:
R&D Engineer, Military Intelligence, Security Clearance, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering, Government
Salary : $116,400 - $140,000