Research Scientist Photonics
About The Position
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Research Scientist with a specialization in photonics to join our Strategic & Military Space (SMS) division. As a member of SDL’s embedded science team, you will work alongside leading SDL and AFRL scientists and engineers to advance cutting-edge quantum sensing and timing technologies with direct impact on national security in the space domain. This is an embedded research position supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Albuquerque, NM. The selected candidate will contribute pioneering work in integrated photonics, lasers and electro-optics, microwave photonics, optical communications and time/frequency metrology. Position Location: Albuquerque, NM The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our Nation’s defense capabilities.
Requirements
- Must have a degree in electrical-engineering, optics, physics, or a closely related field
- Must have at least 3 years of hands-on laboratory research experience in photonics, integrated photonics, lasers and electro-optics, quantum physics or optics
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present challenging scientific topics clearly and the ability to create well-written papers and technical reports with little or no oversight
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in diverse, interdisciplinary teams
- Strong problem-solving skills with a creative, curious, and detail-oriented approach
- Ability to adapt to new projects and technical areas depending on customer needs
- Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Nice To Haves
- Experience with design and fabrication and/or test of integrated photonic circuits
- Experience in numerical modeling/simulation with tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, GDS Factory, KLayout, Synopsys OptoCompiler, or other photonic tape-out/design tools
- Electronic design: FPGA hardware development, analog/digital circuit design, PCB design, microcontrollers
- Experience with experiment control and automation
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia, C/C#/C++)
- Comfort with a Linux-based computing environment
Responsibilities
- Leads experimental research in integrated photonic systems
- Designs, builds, and transitions laboratory experiments into fieldable prototypes
- Presents findings through peer-reviewed publications and national/international conferences
- Mentors junior scientists and contributes to shaping future research directions
Benefits
- SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
