2027 Photonic Integrated Circuits Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$110,400 - $165,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is hiring a Photonic Integrated Circuit Engineer (Sr. Member of Technical Staff – Optical and Photonic Systems) to perform research and development and support program needs, focusing on the design, testing, and measurement of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology. The role calls for a deep understanding of PICs supported by relevant experience, including experience gained during PhD studies. The department conducts laser-based technology research and development for space systems, including integrated photonics, quantum photonics, microwave photonics, LiDAR, and atomic clocks. The selected candidate will work full-time onsite at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. The role involves developing novel PIC devices and systems, conducting experiments and analysis, contributing technical expertise to space programs and collaborators, and proposing research directions. Training and mentorship will be provided. Occasional travel to work locations or customer sites is expected at approximately 10%.

Requirements

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university program; the degree may 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, including simulation 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 using 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 efficiently incorporate Claude Code 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 a clearance.

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 testing 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, focusing on characterization, performance metrics, and reliability.
Simulate systems and extract information to interpret experimental results and support development of novel PIC architectures.
Propose new research and development projects and directions in PICs.
Provide technical guidance to space programs, customers, and external collaborators, including participating in design reviews and sharing information on technology trends and subject-matter expertise.
Keep current with the latest literature.
Collaborate with colleagues in 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.