Quantum Photonics Research Scientist - Engineer II

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is seeking a Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer II to conduct research and development and support program needs involving existing and emerging quantum photonics, including quantum sensing, quantum-enhanced sensing, and squeezed light. The role requires deep knowledge of the field demonstrated through relevant work experience, including experience gained during Ph.D. studies. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California.

The scientist plans and executes experiments, analyzes data, simulates quantum phenomena, and uses results to inform experimental processes. The role also advances research directions, advises space programs and customers on emerging quantum technologies, assesses the performance and reliability of state-of-the-art quantum methods, and collaborates across the organization and with external partners. The position contributes to project budgets and schedules and may involve changing or newly assigned duties as needed.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of applicable professional, industry, or academic experience after earning a bachelor's degree, involving quantum technologies or related subjects.
• Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components.
• Experience with simulation design of quantum technologies.
• Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages.
• Knowledge of different types of quantum devices, sensors, and/or systems.
• Experience with nonlinear optics.
• 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.
• Active TS/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience writing research proposals for external funding is strongly preferred.
• Computational skills to support development of new models for quantum effects.
• Experience with component- or system-level photonics simulation packages such as Ansys Lumerical.
• Publications in quantum technology, such as quantum sensing, quantum-enhanced sensing, and/or squeezed light, are strongly preferred.
• Experience giving short, concise technical presentations at conferences and/or large internal meetings.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments involving various quantum phenomena and conduct data analysis.
• Simulate quantum phenomena and extract useful information to understand experimental results and support experimental processes.
• Propose new research and development projects and directions in quantum technology.
• Provide technical guidance to space programs, customers, and external collaborators on emerging quantum-based technologies.
• Deliver results on the performance and reliability of state-of-the-art quantum methods.
• 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.
• Work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
• Convey technical information effectively in oral and written forms.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree