AI Researcher/Prototyping Engineer

About the role

The Artificial Intelligence Technology and Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks motivated candidates to contribute to projects addressing a wide range of national needs in AI and ML. Assignments may include research on state-of-the-art algorithms in signal processing, natural language processing, graph analytics, or adversarial AI; applying innovative methods to challenging, real-world problems; and working in a collaborative, team-oriented development environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and architect advanced ML methods.
• Develop algorithms in speech, natural language processing, multimedia, cyber, and graph analytics.
• Research and apply state-of-the-art machine-learning, deep-learning, LLM, and agentic AI techniques.
• Collaborate with intelligence analysts and cyber operators to ensure rapid transition of technologies into mission-critical systems.

Requirements

• PhD in electrical engineering, computer science or related field, or Master's with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence with applications in multimedia, cyber security, or adversarial/assurance.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML, including state-of-the-art machine-learning, deep-learning, LLM, and agentic AI.
• Experience in system analysis and problem decomposition, translating high-level requirements into clear tasks and defining quantitative success metrics.
• Ability to operate within a rapid research-to-prototype pipeline, turning novel algorithms into robust, reproducible prototypes.
• Hands-on experience with agentic-AI frameworks like LangChain, and proficiency in advanced Python and ML libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Huggingface.
• Strong software engineering practices, including Git workflows, continuous integration, environment reproducibility, and documentation.
• Experience leading small research teams, assigning tasks, tracking progress, and mentoring junior staff.
• Effective stakeholder communication, including the ability to prepare technical briefings, compose whitepapers, and present to sponsors and senior leadership.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks independently, with the ability to work without constant supervision.

Qualifications

• Current TS/SCI clearance or willingness to obtain one.

Benefits

• 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

Pay

• Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000
• Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000

Schedule

• Full-time