Research Scientist - System Security Researcher Job at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA

Mms3UitiWUpWMVJZSHkreUUrbDBCZmhQWXc9PQ==
  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory
  • Lexington, MA

Job Description

 

Secure Resilient Systems and Technology group applies foundational and applied cybersecurity research to the most critical challenges in national security. We develop secure systems that are resilient to adversarial threats—now and in the future. Our work spans the entire R&D spectrum: from system architecture and threat modeling, to cryptographic protocol design, secure implementation, field prototyping, and transition. Our mission is to ensure that national security systems can be trusted and relied on, even in adversary-contested environments.

 

We work closely with mission areas and divisions across Lincoln Laboratory, enabling breakthroughs in communications, sensing, autonomy, and space systems to retain their strategic edge in real-world deployments. Collaboration across disciplines is central to our impact. Our staff includes system security researchers, applied cryptographers, software engineers, formal methods experts, and embedded systems developers. We bring modern security approaches into complex, high-stakes environments where assurance, performance, and operational realities must coexist.

 

We are a collegial and mission-driven team. We value excellence, innovation, inclusion, and individual growth. Our culture is known for mentoring and developing PIs and technical leaders. We strive to bring out the best in our people—and our systems—so that the Laboratory, and the nation, can count on them when it matters most. 

 

If you would like to pursue your passion for cutting-edge research and work on things that truly matter at a place that combines problems of pressing national importance with MIT’s culture of academic excellence, abundance of resources, and superior work-life balance, apply here to learn more. 

 

 

 

Job Description

 

As a Research Scientist, you will:

 

  • Advance the state of the art in secure communications, computing, and storage technologies.
  • Develop, prototype, and apply these innovations to next-generation mission-critical systems relevant to National Security.
  • Participate in end-to-end research activities, from concept development and systems analysis to prototyping and technology transfer.
  • Collaborate with experts across disciplines to drive innovative solutions that meet real-world challenges and stakeholder needs.
  • Have opportunities to take on technical leadership roles, shape research directions, support and eventually lead program development, and drive strategic initiatives that advance the Laboratory’s mission and amplify its impact.

Required Qualifications

To thrive in this role, you should have:

 

  • A PhD in Computer Security, System Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
    • Alternatively, a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Expertise in at least one of the following: 
    • Architecture, analysis, design, implementation, and verification of secure and/or cryptographic embedded software, subsystems, systems, or protocols.
    • Academic or professional research in computer security, resiliency, or cryptography, demonstrated through innovative and impactful publications or projects.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative environment.

 

We value varied paths to expertise and encourage candidates with practical experience or alternative educational backgrounds to apply.

Desired Knowledge

We also value experience or interest in one or more of the following:

 

  • Threat modeling and security requirements analysis.
  • Applied cryptography and protocols, including industry and government standards.
  • Operating system internals, embedded systems security, and network protocols.
  • Secure programming in languages such as Rust and C/C++
  • Applied formal methods and software analysis tools.
  • Technical mentoring and leadership, including guiding junior team members and fostering collaborative environments.
  • Program leadership, such as overseeing project execution, managing deliverables, or driving strategic initiatives.
  • Experience with grant writing, funding applications, and sponsor engagement to support research and program development.

 

We don't expect candidates to have knowledge in all of these areas, and welcome candidates eager to grow into these areas through hands-on experience and learning.

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 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: 42277 

Job Tags

Similar Jobs

GVW Group

Real Estate Investment and Operations Manager Job at GVW Group

 ...At Ruddell Group, LLC we are a nimble and entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm focused on small-to-mid-sized industrial...  ...Overview:Were seeking a Real Estate Investment & Operations Manager to be a right-hand partner to the founder, someone who thrives... 

Safran

Cost accountant Job at Safran

 ...this position manages, analyzes and prepares an array of routine accounting functions primarily relating to the general ledger, budgets,...  ...Safran Seats USA. This position will report to the Manager of Cost accounting in the field of inventories and cost accounting. The... 

Cornerstone University

LMS Liaison/Administrator Job at Cornerstone University

The Learning Management Systems Administrator is a full-time, salaried position responsible for the oversight, management, and optimization...  ...online learning experience for students, faculty, and staff. The LMS Administrator leads the development and implementation of LMS... 

Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport

Night Van Driver/Security Officer Job at Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport

 ...Night Van Security Duties and Responsibilities: Transporting guests to/from the airport and to other short-distance locations. Assisting both arriving and departing guests...  ...functional. Might spend all or part of his shift watching the CCTV monitors for any... 

University of Maryland Medical System

Epic HIM Application System Analyst III Job at University of Maryland Medical System

 ...as the academic flagship of the University of Maryland Medical System, our Magnet-designated facility is a nationally recognized, academic...  ...'t find a more vibrant place to work! Seeking an experienced Epic HIM Analyst with EPIC certifications in ROI, Deficiency Tracking...