2027 Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer I

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is hiring a Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer I to perform research and development and support program needs in existing and emerging quantum photonics, including quantum sensing, quantum-enhanced sensing, and squeezed light. The role involves planning and executing experiments, analyzing data, simulating quantum phenomena, and delivering results on the performance and reliability of state-of-the-art quantum methods. The successful candidate will contribute to research directions, advise space programs and collaborators on emerging quantum technologies, and work with management on project budgets and schedules. The position is full-time and onsite at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. Occasional travel to work locations or customer sites is required, approximately 10%. Training and mentorship will be provided. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university program; the degree may 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
• Ability to efficiently incorporate Claude Code into daily workflows for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks.
• 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 short, concise technical presentations at conferences or large internal meetings.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments and data analysis involving quantum phenomena.
• 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 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 current 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 across multiple projects.
• Communicate technical information effectively in oral and written forms.
• Travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites, approximately 10%, as required.
• 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 total 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.

What This Job Offers

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