2027 Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer I
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is hiring a Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer I 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 is part of the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory, which develops electronics and photonics capabilities for space systems and supports their reliable operation in the space environment. The position is full-time and onsite at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. The selected candidate will work on experiments, simulations, data analysis, and technical engagements with space programs, customers, and collaborators. Training and mentorship will be provided. Occasional travel to work locations or customer sites is required, approximately 10%.
Requirements
- Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline; the degree must be in progress or 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.
- Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages.
- Knowledge of different types of quantum devices, sensors, and/or systems.
- Some knowledge of nonlinear optics.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, approximately 10%, as required.
- Ability to efficiently incorporate Claude Code into daily work 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.
- 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
- Active security clearance.
- Experience with simulation design of quantum technologies.
- Computational skills to support 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; strongly preferred.
- Experience giving concise technical presentations at conferences or large internal meetings.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute experiments and analyze data involving various quantum phenomena.
- Simulate and extract useful information to understand experimental results and support experimental processes.
- Propose research and development projects and directions in quantum photonics.
- 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 department staff and colleagues across the 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.
- Incorporate Claude Code into 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
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
