Photonics Scientist

About the role

Leidos is hiring a Photonics Scientist for its INTEL Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA), based in the Arlington, VA office. The role leads testing and characterization of edge-coupled integrated quantum photonic devices, and may also cover simulation and design of high-fidelity models for quantum sensing and networking. It is a hybrid position with some remote work possible.

Key responsibilities

• Develop innovative approaches to integrated photonics for component modeling, design and testing.
• Perform open-ended numerical optimizations in photonics and quantum science.
• Design photonic circuits through script-based creation of CAD files.
• Design, construct and operate PIC probing hardware setups and characterize components on edge-coupled and grating-coupled devices.
• Research emerging photonic technologies, attend scientific meetings and publish in peer-reviewed literature.
• Work with circuit designers, test engineers, university and government collaborators.

Required profile

• US citizen able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• BS in physics, applied physics, engineering or similar with 4-8 years of industry experience, or MS with 2-4 years.
• Preferred: PhD degree.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and strong technical writing and communication skills.

Required skills

• Optimization of photonic components with COMSOL, Lumerical or equivalent.
• Designing and building optical probing hardware, PIC test plans and characterization.
• Research in nonlinear optics, atomic physics, quantum information science and/or quantum photonics.
• Strong Python and object-oriented programming.
• Familiarity with GDS factory or similar design tools.
• Preferred: PDKs, semiconductor/nanofabrication processing and packaging, networking protocols, quantum sensing or communications.

What we offer

• Paid time off and 11 paid holidays.
• 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting.
• Flexible schedules, discounted stock purchase plan, technical upskilling and education/training support.
• Parental paid leave.

Pay range: $87,100 - $157,450.