New

Cyber Resilience and Operations Assistant Researcher

MIT Lincoln Laboratory
tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Massachusetts, Lexington
244 Wood Street (Show on map)
Nov 13, 2026
Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: JOIN OUR TALENT NETWORK Cyber Resilience and Operations Assistant Researcher Apply now Date: Nov 13, 2026 Location: Lexington, MA, US Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory Come and help defend the nation in cyberspace! In the Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, we research challenging technical problems in cyber security, develop new technologies, and prototype first-of-a-kind systems. We have particular focus on enabling human operators and improving operational systems, orienting our work toward strong practical impact. We work across a variety of cutting-edge national-security applications: Quantifying risk posed by adversary cyber threats to key national security missions Enhancing the cyber security and resilience of critical infrastructure and other operational technology Protecting and defending U.S. weapon systems in cyber contested environments Helping the nation's cyber operators do their jobs better, faster, and at greater scale Creating game-changing capabilities for defensive cyberspace operations As an interdisciplinary group, we innovate by drawing insights from computer science, software engineering, data engineering, data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, electrical engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, and allied technical fields. We collaborate with research partners across MIT, offering frequent opportunities to team and learn in new areas. If you want a career in R&D with the opportunity to have real impact on important problems, join us! Job Overview MIT Lincoln Laboratory Assistant Technical Staff provide critical support for domain-level innovative research supporting the Laboratory's national security mission. They prototype state-of-the-art technology solutions and engage in many steps of a program lifecycle. As an Assistant Technical Staff member, you will work with multidisciplinary project teams assisting with solutions to complex to moderately complex problems through research and technology development activities. In this highly contributory role, you will develop and grow your understanding of the Laboratory and the work we do for our research sponsors and on behalf of the nation while taking on defined research and technical assignments. Depending on the level, you will complete clearly scoped assignments with guidance or apply established methods with limited oversight while taking greater ownership of defined technical work. As a successful candidate, you will bring a strong technical foundation, curiosity, and an aptitude for technical growth. You will develop or deepen expertise within a primary technical domain, broaden your awareness of adjacent areas, and support activities such as hardware and software development, systems analysis, data analysis, component fabrication, system integration, testing, and documentation. Additional Job Overview Details As an Assistant Staff member in the Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group, you will perform analysis, develop technology, and/or architect and build software for the next generation of operational cyber security systems. You will collaborate with a highly motivated and skilled research team, but be expected to act with considerable autonomy and independence. You will apply your technical skill to improve cyber security and resilience of national security systems and equip the nation's cyber operators to defend against persistent, intelligent adversaries. You will have many opportunities to develop your skills as a researcher, including in technical execution, project leadership, and sharing results with the community through publications and presentations. Job Duties & Responsibilities Support design, development, data analysis, programming, testing, troubleshooting, modeling, simulation, and documentation of systems or prototypes. Apply basic or established technical practices, tools, and procedures to complete defined tasks and solve routine technical problems. Contribute to data collection, documentation, and component- or subsystem-level deliverables supporting broader research and mission-focused efforts. Learn and apply relevant mission context, technical standards, systems, platforms, and project processes. Communicate progress, technical results, assumptions, risks, and questions clearly and incorporate feedback into technical work products. Depending on level, identify small process improvements and assist new hires, interns, or less experienced staff. Minimum Qualifications Candidates will be considered for the appropriate level based on their education, experience, demonstrated technical capabilities, and the scope and complexity of their prior work. Level 1 - Assistant Technical Staff Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. Typically, no technical experience or relevant research experience required. Foundational understanding of research principles, analytical methods, and structured problem solving. Ability to learn and apply technical tools, systems, standards, and procedures within a team environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly, ask clarifying questions, and interact respectfully with colleagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Demonstrated collaboration, curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to receive and apply feedback. Level 2 - Assistant Technical Staff Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. Typically, 1+ years of relevant research, engineering, or other technical experience; a Master's degree may be considered. Demonstrated ability to apply concepts and technical methods to routine problems. Working knowledge of relevant tools, systems, standards, and documentation practices used in project execution. Ability to complete assigned tasks accurately, manage time effectively, and communicate progress and risks. Collaborative working style with an emerging ability to support others, contribute to team learning, and interact respectfully with colleagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Additional Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Security, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or related field Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on difficult, open-ended problems in cyber security and defense with interdisciplinary technical teams Motivation to identify underlying technical problems and proactively pursue viable solutions Proficiency in modern programming languages such as Python, Rust, or Java Demonstrated interest in cyber security Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following, with research experience especially valued (classes, extracurriculars, mentoring, etc.): Cyber security. Generative and agentic AI. Cloud and infrastructure automation (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, etc.) Mathematical or statistical modeling and problem-solving. Software engineering. United States military operations, especially cyberspace operations. Assistant Staff 1 Hiring Range:$92,000 - $115,000 Assistant Staff 2 Hiring Range:$110,000 - $128,000 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 pagefor more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage ofother 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:43714 Nearest Major Market: Boston Job Segment: Military Intelligence, Cyber Security, Test Engineer, Laboratory, Testing, Government, Security, Engineering, Science, Technology Apply now Find similar jobs: Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Sciences