Integrated Missile Defense Technology

To help defend our nation, deployed forces, and allies from missile attacks, we support the Missile Defense Agency in the development, deployment, testing, and enhancement of the Missile Defense System (MDS). We continuously develop and enhance MDS elements to enable them to keep up with rapidly evolving threats. Our staff are involved in the development and integration of these elements from the analysis and characterization of the worldwide ballistic missile threat to the fielding of new MDS capabilities. We perform system and component engineering, algorithm development, advanced technology prototyping, and validation of system performance by means of testing and analysis.

Job Description

 

The Integrated Missile Defense Technology group is seeking an autonomous systems research scientist to join a nationally impactful team and to develop novel algorithms for the coordination and control of next generation autonomous vehicles. Some examples of research and development areas of interest to the group include robust multi-agent decision making and coordination for large groups of heterogeneous platforms, machine learning accelerated optimization techniques, vision-based navigation algorithms including applying machine learning approaches to navigation in challenging environments without GPS, and the control of flight vehicles with challenging dynamics under safety constraints.

We are actively seeking highly motivated and exceptionally bright individuals who can think broadly, analyze complex problems deeply, implement solutions in a rapid prototyping environment, and wish to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology to enhance National Security. This position provides an opportunity to perform state-of-the-art, mission-driven research and development in collaboration with experts at both MIT Lincoln Laboratory and top universities.

The role is focused on algorithm development for autonomous systems, particularly techniques supported by optimization, control theory, and formal methods. Typical tasks in this role involve developing algorithms and simulations, implementing embedded code, reading and writing research papers, meeting with collaborators and government sponsors, and prototyping and testing integrated systems. The successful applicant will have experience with modern autonomy algorithms and must have a strong foundation in software engineering and computer science principles.

Requirements:

 

 

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aero/Astro, Computer Science, Robotics or related field In lieu of a PhD, an MS with 3+ years of directly related experience will be considered The ability to apply existing talents to new fields at both the technically detailed and big picture levels Candidates must have demonstrated team leadership qualities and effective communication Strong programming skills in at least one commonly used programming language (e.g. C/C++) Strong mathematical skills demonstrated through classwork and/or peer-reviewed publications Desired Skills:

 

Flight vehicle dynamics and controls (e.g., modern feedback control and state estimation) Planning, decision making, and computer vision algorithms (e.g., convolutional neural networks, reinforcement learning, and formal methods approaches) Optimization theory (convex, non-convex, mixed-integer, etc...) Nonlinear optimal control Machine learning for perception and control Motion planning Planning under temporal logic constraints Formal methods including synthesis, verification, and model checking Control barrier functions and other certificate methods Contract-based design Differentiable programming Strong programming skills in ROS, Python, and C/C++ and experience with real time operating systems

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 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: 41324