Systems Engineer, Linux
Lexington, MA

Job Description

The Control and Autonomous Systems Engineering Group, Group 76, works on prototype applications spanning mission areas such as space control, air, missile and maritime defense, communication and tactical systems, homeland protection, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. Through this work the group has gained expertise in dynamic stabilization and platform control, advanced autonomy, pointing, acquisition and tracking, guidance, navigation and estimation, robotics, mapping, intra- and inter-system planning (e.g. swarming), demanding real-time embedded software and firmware control, image processing, machine learning, human-machine interaction, space-qualified electronics, and analog and power electronics. Applied research and development projects include space optical payloads, small satellites, airborne laser radars and imaging systems and autonomous air, ground and maritime systems. Staff members have advanced degrees in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and computer engineering. The group also collaborates closely with academia and publishes its research in top-tier venues..

Systems Engineer, Linux

Position Description:

A person in this role shall rapidly and accurately analyze and understand technical challenges, conceive of solutions based upon deep technology expertise, and implement (hands-on) and\or share solution plans with others for implementation. The role requires an ability to build consensus around non-obvious solutions and to provide concise documentation and communication. This position is expected to implement infrastructure as code.

Laboratory staff developing autonomous systems, robotics, and embedded systems frequently require a Linux development environment, both with and without graphical user interfaces. The successful candidate will establish, extend, and maintain infrastructure supporting Linux-based development tailored for Group needs and Laboratory requirements. Infrastructure may include support for system provisioning, updating, configuration management, compliance reporting, data storage and cloud processing, automated build and test, packaging, and package distribution. Tasks supporting the development of infrastructure include understanding staff development processes and needs; identifying opportunities to streamline processes and eliminate pain points; capturing requirements and building consensus among stakeholders; maintaining knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies and best practices; representing and advocating for Group needs within the larger Laboratory system administration community; implementing, deploying, and troubleshooting infrastructure software and hardware systems. This position also requires assisting staff with Linux issues and supporting wider Division-level System Administration activities as needed.

Required Skills

* Demonstrated ability to architect, implement, and extend infrastructure to provide Laboratory staff with a highly effective Linux experience.
* Experience with GNU/Linux on the desktop and server, with Debian and Ubuntu distribution experience preferred.
* Ability to communicate effectively, including working in close collaboration with staff on technical topics, electronic correspondence, issue tracking, and preparing presentations and other materials to explain and advocate for a desired solution.
* Experience integrating GNU/Linux in an environment where Microsoft Windows in the dominant client operating system.
* Knowledge and experience with git, github, and other source code management tools.
* Knowledge of scripting languages such as: Python, bash, CMake, etc.
* Knowledge and experience with Linux automated configuration management tools, with ansible experience preferred.
* Familiarity with virtualization platforms, such as virtual machines and containers.
* Knowledge of basic administration of server applications, such as apache, MySQL, mediaWiki, Squid, NFS, DHCP, DNS and SSL.
* Experience with embedded real-time processing hardware and operating systems, such as Linux on ARM, Linux real-time kernel, U-Boot, uClinux, petalinux, and Xenomai.
* Demonstrated ability to administer a local research computer network, including networking hardware, wireless networks, software maintenance, and security considerations.

Preferred Skills

* Demonstrated ability to maintain regular contact across divisional and departmental lines with MITLL IT and security resources. Must be capable of identifying security objectives and to rapidly reconfigure systems to report and remediate performance and security issues
* Willingness to adopt users' operating system distribution and configuration in order to understand common challenges and pain points.

Education

* Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 4 years of related experience OR a Master's degree and two years of experience OR equivalent

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.