Photonics Technologies Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
Job Summary
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories' technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
The Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL) focuses on areas of electronics and photonics directed towards development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver 100% mission success in the rigors of the space environment. Within EPL, The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) focuses on laser-based technology research and development for space systems, with efforts in integrated photonics, quantum photonics, microwave photonics, LiDAR, atomic clocks, and others.
The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is hiring a Photonics Technologies Scientist (Senior Member of the Technical Staff/ Research Scientist - Optical and Photonic Systems_ to perform research and development and support program needs with a focus on emerging photonic technologies and platforms such as free-space optical communications, integrated photonics, microwave photonics, and quantum photonics.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.
What You'll Be Doing

• Analyzing novel photonic solutions for space systems using laboratory and/or computational methods. Topics of interest include optical communications, RF photonics, integrated photonics, and quantum photonics
• Simulating, designing, and manufacturing (leveraging foundries and in-house capabilities) photonic integrated circuit systems-on-chip for RF photonic and quantum applications
• Developing characterization methods and performance models for emerging photonic devices and systems such as electro-optic modulators, quantum sources and detectors, and free-space optical communications
• Delivering results on performance and reliability of state-of-the-art photonic devices
• Impactfully engaging with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance on emerging photonic systems and devices
• Fostering innovation by proposing new research and development projects and directions
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to effectively convey technical information via oral and written forms

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Photonics Technologies Scientist - Senior Member of the Technical Staff - Optical and Photonic Systems

• PhD degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline is required
• A minimum of (5) years of applicable professional, industry, or academic experience with photonic technologies or related subjects is required
• Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components
• Experience with simulation design, layout, and fabrication of integrated photonic devices and systems, including simulation software such as Lumerical, OptSim, ComSol, or equivalents and layout software such as KLayout
• Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages is required
• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), as required
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Photonics Technologies Scientist - Research Scientist - Optical and Photonic Systems

• A minimum of (8) years of applicable professional, industry, or academic experience with photonic technologies or related subjects is required
• Knowledge of a variety materials platforms used in photonic devices, such as silicon, indium phosphide, and lithium niobate
• Experience with nonlinear optics and/or modeling atmospheric effects on optical transmission
• Knowledge of photonic device fabrication is required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience writing research proposals for external funding is strongly preferred
• Computational skills to support new model development for nonlinear optics and atmospheric effects is desired
• Experience with system-level photonics simulation packages such as VPI Photonics
• Knowledge of photonic device fabrication and heterogeneous integration across material platforms such as silicon, InP, and lithium niobate is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to use foundry PDKs to design and manufacture integrated photonic systems-on-chip is strongly desired

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$100,300 - $175,900
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.