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MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Part of MIT

Engaged employer

Response to LL Management Comments - Technical Staff Member MIT Lincoln Laboratory Employee Review

2.0
May 28, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Place for the smartest people on earth -- at least that was what the lab claims and thinks

Cons

"Our offer acceptance rates, turnover, and retention rates are exceptionally high for our type of work. This would seem to be contradictory to your perception of a revolving door. In general we seek to hire staff who are well prepared to deal with the challenging work performed at the Laboratory and we equip them for success." 4/11/16 comment to Laddering on 4/7/16 Contradiction: No! Hiring rate (etc.) does not mean a lot. If you honestly inform your candidates about your laddering system (e.g., the newest candidates will begin at the bottom of the list and work their way up; We will break up and bring out the best of you) before they make the decision to join. Your hiring rate will dwindle to zero soon. Further, please do not patronize us with your arrogant statement such as "We equip you for success." I know that you had to say the formal things like that to firm up your position. But we all know that it has no meaning at all.

Explore other reviews about MIT Lincoln Laboratory

5.0
Jun 3, 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
Jun 17, 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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