RF Engineer-Technical Staff
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Lincoln Lab)
Lexington, MA · Posted October 1, 2026
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November 2026
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About the job
Position Description
The Group is seeking creative and enthusiastic candidates to lead the design, testing, and integration of prototype RF systems in laboratory, vehicle, and flight environments.
Day to Day Activities Include Leading:
Design of RF front-ends for protected communications and sensing system prototypes to include e.g. cascade and spur analysis, component selection, connectorized build, and PCB design and fabrication
Lab environment setup and configuration
Test documentation and planning
Field experimentation, lab and field data collection, and post-experiment analysis.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Electrical Engineering or similar field
In lieu of PhD, an MS in Electrical Engineering (or similar field) with a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience will be considered
Expertise in the design and prototyping of RF front-ends for communications and sensing systems, including experience in integrating components such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and filters to engineer low-distortion transmitters and high-sensitivity receivers
Proficiency in the use of RF cascade and spur analysis
Proficiency in the use of common RF and digital test equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, etc…)
Exposure to and/or coursework in software development and scripting (e.g. Python, Matlab, etc…)
Exposure to test planning and execution of field experiments
Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively in a team and set priorities
Strong problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with mixed-signal design for RF systems
Common software (e.g. HFSS and ADS software) for EM simulation and circuit design
PCB layout and mixed signal design
Test planning and overseeing execution of field experiments
System design using RF System-on-Chip technology
Selection of commercial RF components to build communications and sensing systems
This position will include a mixture of on-site, travel, and remote work as needed to support integration and field events.
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 security clearance with compartmented program eligibility.
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: 43428