ML Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
ML Software Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotech and life sciences, financial technology, robotics, and enterprise software, with openings at every level from junior engineers through principal and staff roles. Boston, Cambridge, and the Route 128 corridor account for the heaviest hiring, where established names like Google, Amazon, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory maintain significant engineering operations. Natural language processing, computer vision, and MLOps tooling are the specialties drawing the most consistent demand from Massachusetts employers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About the Homeland Protection Systems Group
Are you excited to contribute to world-class research in Homeland Protection with real impact on national security? The Homeland Protection Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has decades of experience developing, assessing, and deploying advanced technologies aimed at safeguarding the National Airspace and addressing emerging national security priorities in the homeland. The Group has successfully deployed innovative technology solutions addressing defense challenges for the National Airspace, population centers, and critical infrastructure. We specialize in comprehensive systems analysis, advanced technology development, and rapid prototyping. Leveraging our expertise in complex systems, algorithms, and hardware prototyping, our team of scientists, engineers, and technologists applies cutting-edge techniques in data analysis, predictive analytics, and systems engineering to solve complex Homeland Protection problems.
Our mission is to deliver and deploy advanced technologies that strengthen national security in the homeland. We foster a collaborative, cross-functional research and development environment where innovation thrives. This role provides the opportunity to tackle some of the nation's most important technical homeland defense challenges, while learning from and contributing to a world-class research community.
AI/ML Developer Position Overview
The Homeland Protection Systems Group is seeking motivated applicants to contribute to projects addressing a wide range of homeland protection and national security challenges through the application of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies, including the need to:
- Prototype and apply state-of-the-art algorithms in time series analysis, natural language processing, graph analytics, multi-modal learning, and other applicable ML domains
- Architect, integrate, and build AI/ML systems to meet specific stakeholder needs, including supporting communication and compute infrastructure
- Assess and advise stakeholders on proposed AI/ML solutions, advancements in the field of AI/ML research, and emerging trends in the AI/ML community
AI/ML Developer Technical Qualifications
Required
- Expertise in AI/ML system development and integration
- Expertise in one or more AI/ML domains/specializations
- Code development using Python, Git, and software management best practices
- Familiarity with backend development (server-side logic, database management, APIs, etc.)
- Ability to work both independently as an individual contributor and collaboratively with a team
Preferred
- Translation of research concepts into working prototypes, including design, implementation, evaluation, and iterative refinement
- Critical thinking, such as the ability to decompose complex, ill-defined problems, define and evaluate approaches, and provide reasoned evidence for the proposed solution(s)
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document work products, prepare technical reports, and present results to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Current TS/SCI clearance or willingness to obtain one
Job Overview
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Level 5 Technical Staff provide critical multi-domain or new domain innovative research to the Laboratory’s national security mission. They prototype solutions for state-of-the art technology and engage across the program lifecycle, leading projects or major technical workstreams in partnership with project and team leaders. As a successful Level 5 Technical Staff candidate, you will lead projects or major technical workstreams requiring deep expertise and sound judgment, with the ability to successfully navigate technical complexity. You will perform independent research to solve complex problems, manage programs and/or lead teams on extraordinary technology prototype efforts, and develop creative new ideas and approaches that support critical mission needs.
As a successful Level 5 Technical Staff, you will have deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to lead through ambiguity. You will, with ease, effectively connect your technical depth with the Laboratory’s broader program objectives. Working across multi-disciplinary teams and sponsor-driven efforts, you will efficiently help develop and execute programs, create briefings and reports, and often interface with sponsors. In this role, you are a technical leader, mentoring others, and continuously improving practices within an applicable Group or mission area. You will also guide and mentor Associate Technical Staff, Assistant Technical Staff, and other technical support personnel.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Leads projects or major workstreams involving multi-disciplinary design, development, data analysis, programming, prototyping, integration, testing, or transition activities.
- Applies extensive technical expertise to solve significantly complex problems while effectively evaluating alternative approaches, trade-offs, risks, and mission-driven implications.
- Within assigned projects or mission areas, consistently influences the technical approach towards mission research, systems/ subsystems, architecture design and integration.
- Structures and manages execution of ambiguous work, concisely translating project objectives into actionable technical plans based on nuanced policies and procedures.
- Mentors others within the Group by consistently reviewing work and providing constructive feedback, offering technical guidance, and helping them to develop and hone their judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Proactively identifies opportunities to improve tools, processes, methods, documentation, or execution practices within the Group.
- Substantively contributes to engineering or scientific papers, technical reports, presentations, and, where applicable, proposal or grant materials.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field and typically 6+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree and typically 4+ years of relevant experience; or PhD and typically 0+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Diverse technical expertise with demonstrated ability to adapt that expertise to unfamiliar or emerging disciplines, systems, mission areas, or methods.
- Established educational, skill, and experience levels that demonstrate an ability to apply significant technical judgment to solve broad technical challenges that require integration across related systems or methods.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects or major workstreams and deliver complex technical outcomes.
- Experience evaluating trade-offs, recommending paths forward, and adapting technical approaches to evolving project needs.
- Demonstrated mentorship, collaboration, and ability to communicate recommendations, risks, and technical findings to varied audiences.
- Experience contributing to technical reports, papers, presentations, proposals, or other formal technical deliverables.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
Candidates who possess a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or other relevant discipline will be considered.
Technical Staff 5 Hiring Range: $140,000 - $187,000
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: 43657
About the Homeland Protection Systems Group
Are you excited to contribute to world-class research in Homeland Protection with real impact on national security? The Homeland Protection Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has decades of experience developing, assessing, and deploying advanced technologies aimed at safeguarding the National Airspace and addressing emerging national security priorities in the homeland. The Group has successfully deployed innovative technology solutions addressing defense challenges for the National Airspace, population centers, and critical infrastructure. We specialize in comprehensive systems analysis, advanced technology development, and rapid prototyping. Leveraging our expertise in complex systems, algorithms, and hardware prototyping, our team of scientists, engineers, and technologists applies cutting-edge techniques in data analysis, predictive analytics, and systems engineering to solve complex Homeland Protection problems.
Our mission is to deliver and deploy advanced technologies that strengthen national security in the homeland. We foster a collaborative, cross-functional research and development environment where innovation thrives. This role provides the opportunity to tackle some of the nation's most important technical homeland defense challenges, while learning from and contributing to a world-class research community.
AI/ML Developer Position Overview
The Homeland Protection Systems Group is seeking motivated applicants to contribute to projects addressing a wide range of homeland protection and national security challenges through the application of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies, including the need to:
- Prototype and apply state-of-the-art algorithms in time series analysis, natural language processing, graph analytics, multi-modal learning, and other applicable ML domains
- Architect, integrate, and build AI/ML systems to meet specific stakeholder needs, including supporting communication and compute infrastructure
- Assess and advise stakeholders on proposed AI/ML solutions, advancements in the field of AI/ML research, and emerging trends in the AI/ML community
AI/ML Developer Technical Qualifications
Required
- Expertise in AI/ML system development and integration
- Expertise in one or more AI/ML domains/specializations
- Code development using Python, Git, and software management best practices
- Familiarity with backend development (server-side logic, database management, APIs, etc.)
- Ability to work both independently as an individual contributor and collaboratively with a team
Preferred
- Translation of research concepts into working prototypes, including design, implementation, evaluation, and iterative refinement
- Critical thinking, such as the ability to decompose complex, ill-defined problems, define and evaluate approaches, and provide reasoned evidence for the proposed solution(s)
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to document work products, prepare technical reports, and present results to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Current TS/SCI clearance or willingness to obtain one
Job Overview
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Level 5 Technical Staff provide critical multi-domain or new domain innovative research to the Laboratory’s national security mission. They prototype solutions for state-of-the art technology and engage across the program lifecycle, leading projects or major technical workstreams in partnership with project and team leaders. As a successful Level 5 Technical Staff candidate, you will lead projects or major technical workstreams requiring deep expertise and sound judgment, with the ability to successfully navigate technical complexity. You will perform independent research to solve complex problems, manage programs and/or lead teams on extraordinary technology prototype efforts, and develop creative new ideas and approaches that support critical mission needs.
As a successful Level 5 Technical Staff, you will have deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to lead through ambiguity. You will, with ease, effectively connect your technical depth with the Laboratory’s broader program objectives. Working across multi-disciplinary teams and sponsor-driven efforts, you will efficiently help develop and execute programs, create briefings and reports, and often interface with sponsors. In this role, you are a technical leader, mentoring others, and continuously improving practices within an applicable Group or mission area. You will also guide and mentor Associate Technical Staff, Assistant Technical Staff, and other technical support personnel.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Leads projects or major workstreams involving multi-disciplinary design, development, data analysis, programming, prototyping, integration, testing, or transition activities.
- Applies extensive technical expertise to solve significantly complex problems while effectively evaluating alternative approaches, trade-offs, risks, and mission-driven implications.
- Within assigned projects or mission areas, consistently influences the technical approach towards mission research, systems/ subsystems, architecture design and integration.
- Structures and manages execution of ambiguous work, concisely translating project objectives into actionable technical plans based on nuanced policies and procedures.
- Mentors others within the Group by consistently reviewing work and providing constructive feedback, offering technical guidance, and helping them to develop and hone their judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Proactively identifies opportunities to improve tools, processes, methods, documentation, or execution practices within the Group.
- Substantively contributes to engineering or scientific papers, technical reports, presentations, and, where applicable, proposal or grant materials.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field and typically 6+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree and typically 4+ years of relevant experience; or PhD and typically 0+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Diverse technical expertise with demonstrated ability to adapt that expertise to unfamiliar or emerging disciplines, systems, mission areas, or methods.
- Established educational, skill, and experience levels that demonstrate an ability to apply significant technical judgment to solve broad technical challenges that require integration across related systems or methods.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects or major workstreams and deliver complex technical outcomes.
- Experience evaluating trade-offs, recommending paths forward, and adapting technical approaches to evolving project needs.
- Demonstrated mentorship, collaboration, and ability to communicate recommendations, risks, and technical findings to varied audiences.
- Experience contributing to technical reports, papers, presentations, proposals, or other formal technical deliverables.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
Candidates who possess a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or other relevant discipline will be considered.
Technical Staff 5 Hiring Range: $140,000 - $187,000
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: 43657
See All 10 ML Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
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Find ML Software Engineer JobsML Software Engineer Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
ML Software Engineer Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Trucking
- Automotive
- Science & Research
- Electronics & Hardware
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in ML software engineer jobs across Massachusetts.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, machine learning, or a related field
- Proficiency in Python and experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Demonstrated ability to build, train, and deploy machine learning models in production
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure
- Strong foundation in statistics, linear algebra, and applied mathematics
- Familiarity with MLOps practices including model monitoring, versioning, and CI/CD pipelines
ML Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a ml software engineer in Massachusetts?
ML software engineer roles in Massachusetts do not require a state-issued license, so the path centers on education and demonstrated technical skill. Most Massachusetts employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, with a master's degree increasingly preferred at research-heavy institutions and biotech firms. Building a portfolio of deployed models, contributing to open-source projects, and earning cloud certifications from AWS or Google Cloud strengthens a candidacy in this market.
How much do ML software engineers make in Massachusetts?
ML software engineers in Massachusetts earn a median of about $165,210 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $102,810 for the lowest 10% to over $213,970 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire ml software engineers in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring ml software engineers in Massachusetts right now include Anduril, Generalist, and Zoox, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Massachusetts's dense concentration of biotech companies, financial services firms, and defense contractors means ML engineering talent is sought well beyond the consumer tech sector.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most ml software engineer jobs?
Boston, Waltham, and Somerville have the most ml software engineer openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge dominate because of the area's research universities, major hospital systems, and biotech anchors along Kendall Square, while suburban Route 128 communities like Waltham and Burlington concentrate demand from enterprise software and defense technology firms with large local campuses.
Are there remote ml software engineer jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 50% of ml software engineer openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves writing code, running experiments, and reviewing model outputs rather than being physically present. Roles focused on research and experimentation tend to offer the most location flexibility, while positions that require close collaboration with hardware or lab teams more often require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a ml software engineer in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a combination of a strong academic project portfolio and targeting companies with structured new-graduate programs. Large Massachusetts employers in biotech and financial services, including firms concentrated around Kendall Square and the financial district, regularly hire associate or junior ML engineers from local universities such as MIT, Northeastern, and UMass Amherst. Lateral moves from data analyst, software engineer, or research assistant roles are common, and completing a cloud certification or publishing a reproducible model project on a public repository gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to ml software engineer jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to ml software engineer jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location preference, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 10 ML Software Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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