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MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Part of MIT

Engaged employer

It's ok - Anonymous employee MIT Lincoln Laboratory Employee Review

3.0
14 Nov 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Contractor pay is great and they recognize a lot of holidays.

Cons

vertical growth opportunities are extremely limited

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MIT Lincoln Laboratory Response
12y
As observed in other reviews, it is true that Lincoln Laboratory does not have a structure that offers the type of vertical growth path that is seen in some other places. We do not have Engineer 1,2 3 4, etc, or Senior, Lead, Principal type of progression. Our levels are essentially Assistant Staff, Associate Staff, or Technical Staff. There is a management path for those who seek that option. It is not uncommon for an employee to be in a level for an extended time, especially in Technical Staff where a a full career can be spent. Our evaluation system is such that compensation can continue to grow in pace with contributions and the marketplace. The tradeoff is that we offer exceptional depth and breadth of opportunity that provides significant technical growth. Operating the Laboratory as a meritocracy is a core value.

Explore other reviews about MIT Lincoln Laboratory

5.0
3 June 2026
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 June 2026
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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