Research Physicist/Materials Engineer/Electrical Engineer
About The Position
The Complex Engineered Materials (CEM) Research Group at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in Dayton, OH is seeking a qualified research-grade postdoctoral candidate with expertise in optics, photonics, and electromagnetics. This role will support research focused on the design, fabrication, and characterization of metasurfaces and metamaterials, with a specific emphasis on developing new nanofabrication techniques for multilayer metasurfaces. The candidate will work as a contractor within an interdisciplinary team, utilizing cleanroom facilities for fabrication and performing performance characterization. A key aspect of this position is advancing fabrication methods for true multilayer metasurfaces and novel paradigms to enhance material performance. The role also offers opportunities for involvement in the design and simulation of these advanced materials and devices. Working at AFRL provides a unique chance to address significant, long-term challenges, guiding research efforts in a collaborative environment that encourages publication in leading journals, conference participation, and collaboration with government, academic, and industry partners. This includes defining objectives, developing work plans, reviewing designs, supporting experiments, and facilitating the transition of technical designs.
Requirements
- Must be a US Citizen.
- PhD in Physics, Optics, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related science or engineering field.
- Must be able to work in an office environment at a desk and computer using a keyboard and mouse.
- Must be able to work in a lab environment.
- Must be able to lift or carry up to 25 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with cleanroom and other nanofabrication techniques applied to metasurface fabrication, including electron beam lithography, photolithography, deposition, liftoff, and etching techniques.
- Experience with optical benchtop measurements, particularly for wavefront shaping and spectral performance of optical metasurfaces.
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn broader deposition and thin film characterization techniques.
- Proficiency or willingness to learn soft-lithography techniques, such as nanoimprint lithography, for metasurface fabrication.
- Experience with COMSOL, Lumerical, and/or HFSS.
- Ability and desire to quickly learn new techniques, devise research plans, and develop expertise in photonics and optics.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated by public presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
- Proficiency in advanced data analysis and visualization.
- Ability to work independently and in a group setting.
- Proficiency or willingness to learn Python, with desired experience in scientific Python packages (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, scikit, pandas).
Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and characterize optical frequency metasurfaces and metamaterials.
- Develop and leverage expertise in cleanroom nanofabrication techniques.
- Characterize the performance of fabricated metasurfaces.
- Develop and tailor fabrication approaches for multilayer metasurfaces and novel paradigms.
- Engage in the design and simulation of novel materials and devices.
- Collaborate with internal and external teammates, customers, and partners.
- Create objectives and work plans.
- Review designs.
- Support experimentation.
- Transition technical designs.
Benefits
- 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
- Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
- Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
- Paid parental leave
- PTO that grows with tenure
- Generous holiday schedules
- The Forge: opportunity to propose bold innovations and bring them to life with internal backing
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
