2027 Photonic Integrated Circuits Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) at The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Photonic Integrated Circuit Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff – Optical and Photonic Systems) to conduct research and development and support program needs, focusing on the design, testing, and measurement of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology. The role involves developing novel PIC devices, circuits, and subsystems; designing and taping out structures through commercial foundries; and conducting experiments and analysis to characterize performance and reliability. The engineer will simulate devices and interpret experimental results to support new PIC architectures, while contributing technical expertise to space programs, customers, and external collaborators. The position is full-time and onsite at the company’s El Segundo, California facility. Occasional travel, approximately 10%, may be required. Training and mentorship will be provided. Conference attendance and publication are optional.

Requirements

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university program; the degree must be in progress or have been conferred within the last 12 months.
0–1 year of industry work experience.
Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components.
Experience with simulation, design, layout, and fabrication of integrated photonic devices and systems, using software such as Lumerical or equivalent and layout software such as KLayout, Spark Photonics, GDSfactory, or equivalent.
Demonstrated ability to use foundry PDKs to design and manufacture integrated photonics.
Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to convey technical information effectively in oral and written forms.
Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, approximately 10%, as required.
Ability to incorporate Claude Code efficiently into daily workflows for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of material platforms used in integrated photonics, such as silicon, lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, and indium phosphide.
Active security clearance.
Knowledge of RF photonics and its applications.
Knowledge of high-frequency optoelectrical test and measurement with a VNA.
Knowledge of photonic device fabrication and heterogeneous integration across material platforms.
Experience with component- or system-level photonics simulation packages such as Ansys Lumerical and/or VPI Photonics.
Publications in integrated photonics; strongly preferred.
Experience giving short, concise technical presentations at conferences or large internal meetings.

Responsibilities

Ideate novel PIC devices, circuits, and subsystems.
Design, tape out, test, and measure novel PIC structures fabricated in commercial foundries.
Plan and execute experiments and analyze data, emphasizing characterization, performance metrics, and reliability.
Simulate devices and extract information to understand experimental results and support development of novel PIC architectures.
Propose new research and development projects and directions in PICs.
Provide technical guidance in design reviews and subject matter expertise to space programs, customers, and external collaborators; synthesize information on current technology trends.
Keep up to date with the latest literature.
Collaborate with staff within the department and across the organization on additional projects.
Work with management to create and execute project budgets and schedules.
Optionally attend conferences and publish in the literature.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
Flexible spending accounts.
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional growth and development programs.
Education assistance programs.
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.