Job Information
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Technical Staff - Pointing/Acquisition/Tracking and Controls Engineer (Optical Lasercom) in Lexington, Massachusetts
The Optical & Quantum Communication Groups develops impactful classical and quantum technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging environments including terrestrial, space and underwater applications. Primary areas of research include the development of novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format modems; sensitive, single-photon receivers; robust and compact optical beam directors; precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems; and novel entangled-photon source technologies. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation classical and quantum optical system capabilities. Examples of near-term field tests include terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground, and next-generation beam-director prototypes inherently scalable to deep-space systems. This work requires a deep understanding of the challenging atmospheric channel and the development of technologies to mitigate its effects. The group is also working to enable new mission areas including extended-range and -utility undersea communications (with its challenging channel) and entanglement-based quantum communication networks.
Job Description:
The Optical & Quantum Communications Group seeks a full time Technical Staff member to contribute to the design, analysis, development, testing and integration of optical communications systems to support its lasercom prototype systems development in challenging channels such as atmospheric or undersea. In particular, an understanding of atmospheric effects, turbulence, and experience with adaptive optics or tracking technologies is highly desired, along with a strong controls and system analysis background. The staff member will work closely with a team of engineers to develop complex prototype optical communications hardware, with a focus on developing the pointing, acquisition and tracking systems for both space and ground terminals. The staff member will work closely with the rest of the engineering team, in particular with optical, mechanical, and software disciplines to implement the required technologies to achieve the appropriate performance in fielded demonstrations.
Requirements:
Demonstrated experience with controls systems, particularly with a focus on adaptive optics or tracking,
Demonstrated experience with systems analysis and modeling, particularly with understanding and analyzing atmospheric turbulence effects
Experience with integration and test as well as troubleshooting complex problems
Experience with MATLAB or other analysis tools relevant for systems analysis
Experience with free space optical communications hardware
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Willingness to work in a team environment
Ph.D. or MS with 5 plus years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aero/Astro, Optical, or equivalent
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 (https://hr.mit.edu/benefits) for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks (https://hr.mit.edu/benefits/additional) .
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.
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