Quantum Photonics Research Scientist - Engineer II
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is seeking a Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer II (Research Scientist – Optical and Photonic Systems) to conduct research and development and support program needs in quantum photonics, including quantum sensing, quantum-enhanced sensing, and squeezed light. The position calls for deep knowledge of the field supported by relevant experience from prior employment and/or Ph.D. studies. The selected candidate will plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, simulate quantum technologies, interpret results, and contribute to experimental processes. The role also involves proposing research directions, advising space programs and customers on emerging quantum technologies, assessing the performance and reliability of quantum methods, collaborating across the organization, and coordinating project budgets and schedules with management. The position requires working full-time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California, with occasional travel of approximately 10%.
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 the 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 efficiently incorporate Claude Code 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 supporting new model development 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 analyze the resulting data.
- Simulate quantum technologies and extract 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 the broader organization on additional projects.
- Work with management to create and execute project budgets and schedules.
- Work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.
- Communicate technical information effectively in oral and written forms.
- Use Claude Code in daily workflows for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks.
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 a company-paid benefit 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
