AI/ML Programming
MIT Lincoln Laboratory · Lexington, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Lexington, MA
Job highlights
- Research and develop advanced AI/ML methods.
- Apply innovative methods to real-world problems.
- Collaborate with top cyber organizations.
- Work on national security missions.
- Publish and present research findings.
About the role
About the Role
Are you excited to contribute to world-class research in artificial intelligence with real impact on national security? The Artificial Intelligence Technology and Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has over 50 years of experience developing revolutionary technologies for critical national missions.
Group 52 AI Technology & Systems Group specializes in machine learning (ML) algorithms, technologies, and systems that extract and analyze information from multimedia data—including speech, text, images, and video. In recent years, we have significantly expanded our mission to include developing impactful ML solutions for cybersecurity in collaboration with the Nation’s top cyber organizations.
As a recognized leader in both basic and applied AI/ML, our group is shaping emerging AI fields and driving the Laboratory’s efforts in AI Assurance across the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. We also integrate expertise in multimedia, cyber, and AI assurance to develop cutting-edge technologies for Operations in the Information Environment (OIE).
A hallmark of our work is a focus on operational relevance: we design and evaluate AI/ML systems using realistic datasets and metrics, and we partner directly with intelligence analysts and cyber operators to ensure rapid transition of our technologies into real-world, mission-critical systems.
Job Description
Our staff members:
- Design, program, and architect advanced ML methods.
- Develop algorithms in speech, natural language processing, multimedia, cyber, and graph analytics.
- Publish and present research at premier conferences.
The AI Technology and Systems Group is seeking motivated applicants that can 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.
- Working in a collaborative, team-oriented development environment.
This is an opportunity to apply your skills to some of the most important technical challenges of our time—while learning from and contributing to a world-class research community.
Requirements
Candidates who possess a B.S. in electrical engineering, computer science or other relevant discipline will be considered.
Desired Skills:
- Knowledge of artificial intelligence ideally with applications on multimedia, cyber security or adversarial machine learning / AI security experience.
- Proficient programmer – comfortable writing modular code; familiar with at least one major ML library (PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.) and data handling libraries (NumPy, pandas, etc.).
- Hands-on experience with rapid-prototyping and AI frameworks – exposure to agentic/LLM-oriented toolkits (e.g., MCP), integration with both commercial and locally-hosted AI models.
- Software engineering best practices; version-control, collaborative coding – basic Git workflow (branching, pull requests, code reviews) and familiarity with issue-tracking.
- Strong problem-solving mindset – can take a research concept, break it into implementable components, and iterate quickly based upon experimental results.
- Detail oriented, able to multi-task, and with the ability to work autonomously given direction.
- Effective written and oral communications skills in technical environments, technical notes and documentation.
- Current TS/SCI clearance or willingness to obtain one.
Compensation & Benefits
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200 - $120,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200 - $150,000
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.
Security Clearance
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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.
Key skills/competency
- AI/ML Programming
- Machine Learning Algorithms
- Speech Processing
- Natural Language Processing
- Multimedia Analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Graph Analytics
- Adversarial AI
- PyTorch
- TensorFlow
Skills & topics
- AI
- Machine Learning
- Programming
- Algorithm Development
- NLP
- Speech Processing
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Research
- National Security
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight AI/ML programming, relevant ML libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow), and any experience with multimedia, cyber, or adversarial AI.
- Showcase problem-solving: Emphasize your ability to break down research concepts into implementable components in your application and interviews.
- Demonstrate programming proficiency: Clearly list your experience with modular code, Git, and specific ML/data handling libraries like NumPy and pandas.
- Address clearance requirements: Mention your current TS/SCI clearance or your willingness to obtain one.
- Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews: Be ready to discuss your research, technical skills, and collaborative work style.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities for an AI/ML Programmer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
- As an AI/ML Programmer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, you will design, program, and architect advanced ML methods, develop algorithms in areas like speech, NLP, multimedia, cyber, and graph analytics, and publish/present research findings. You'll apply innovative methods to real-world problems within a collaborative environment focused on national security.
- What educational background is required for the AI/ML Programmer role at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
- A Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline is required for the AI/ML Programmer position at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Advanced degrees may be beneficial for certain research-focused aspects of the role.
- What programming languages and ML libraries are preferred for this AI/ML Programmer position?
- Proficiency in programming is essential, with a preference for candidates comfortable writing modular code. Familiarity with at least one major ML library like PyTorch or TensorFlow, and data handling libraries such as NumPy and pandas, is highly desired for this AI/ML Programmer role.
- Does MIT Lincoln Laboratory offer opportunities for recent graduates in AI/ML programming?
- Yes, MIT Lincoln Laboratory actively hires recent graduates for AI/ML Programmer roles. There is a specific hiring range provided for recent graduates, indicating a strong commitment to early-career talent development in AI and ML.
- What is the hiring range for an experienced AI/ML Programmer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
- The hiring range for experienced AI/ML Programmers at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is typically between $100,200 and $150,000 annually. This range may vary based on factors like experience, skills, and specific role responsibilities.
- What kind of security clearance is needed for the AI/ML Programmer job at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
- Candidates for the AI/ML Programmer position at MIT Lincoln Laboratory must possess a current TS/SCI clearance or be willing to obtain one. A Secret level DoD security clearance is required post-employment, following a background investigation.
- What are the benefits of working as an AI/ML Programmer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory?
- Employees at MIT Lincoln Laboratory enjoy comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, an MIT-funded pension, matching 401K, generous paid leave, tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, and work-life balance options, among other benefits.