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      MIT Lincoln Laboratory

      Part of MIT

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      MIT Lincoln Laboratory reviews

      Former staff member for 4+ years - Software Engineer MIT Lincoln Laboratory Employee Review

      3.0
      23 Dec 2013
      Software engineer
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business outlook

      Pros

      Some researchers are brilliant and certain projects are rewarding. Benefits are top notch - PTO, vacation, flex working conditions.

      Cons

      It's a bloated, old school organization run by PhDs promoted to managerial positions. Often these individuals are brilliant scientists but incompetent managers. Recent government funding issues have caused a decrease in the number of available projects and quality of workers. Promotion is very slow (5+ years). Compensation is ~20% below market (including no equity nor bonuses).

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      MIT Lincoln Laboratory Response
      12y
      Your observations on the rewarding projects and brilliant staff are appreciated. As a not-for-profit laboratory we are unable to offer an equity position, however all available data shows that our compensation is quite competitive with industry and the overall market. What we lack in equity and bonus programs, we are able to make up with resources, challenging work, and strong work/life balance. The recent funding issues that have been widespread for all government contractors have settled down significantly and we believe that our work program is strong for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your insights.

      Explore other reviews about MIT Lincoln Laboratory

      5.0
      3 Jun 2026
      Member of technical staff
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business outlook

      Pros

      It can vary a lot from group to group, but in general, wonderful place with wonderful people and lots of interesting work going on. Excellent benefits and lots of flexibility to explore different projects.

      Cons

      Little opportunity for advancement in terms of rank and compensation once you reach technical staff. Additionally (again varies from group to group) expectations of what a staff member does can be unclear and there can be a light sink-or-swim nature to the work, again depending on the group you're in.

      4.0
      17 Jun 2026
      Member of technical staff
      Recommend
      CEO approval
      Business outlook

      Pros

      Worked with some of the smartest people I’ve ever known. Great opportunities to learn from your coworkers and an atmosphere that encourages learning, including a well-run technical education program. Fabulous support staff and technicians that can get seemingly impossible things done quickly. Great resources and lab spaces (if a bit dated). The nature of the work encourages good work/life balance. Fantastic benefits (though the pay is low).

      Cons

      No/limited opportunities for advancement makes this a hard place to work mid-career. Good engineers are promoted to be mediocre managers. Every program is under-funded, under-staffed, and over schedule. Bad managers are shuffled around but rarely fired.

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