2027 Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer I
The Aerospace Corporation
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Quantum Photonics Scientist with Sr. Staff experience to advance research and development in optical and photonic quantum systems. You will engage with space programs, design experiments, and drive innovation in quantum sensing and related technologies.
Qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field, 0–1 year of industry experience, and ability to obtain security clearance. Travel up to ~10% and strong analytical skills are required.
Qualifications
- PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
- 0–1 year of industry work experience.
- Labs 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.
- Willing to travel approximately 10% for work locations or customer sites.
- Ability to incorporate Claude Code in daily workflow for instruments and data analytics.
- Security clearance ability required; U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute experiments and data analysis on quantum phenomena.
- Simulate and extract information to understand results and aid processes.
- Propose new research directions in quantum photonics.
- Engage with space programs, customers, and collaborators providing technical guidance.
- Deliver results on performance and reliability of quantum methods.
- Keep up with latest literature in the field.
- Collaborate with department and organization on projects.
- Assist in creating and executing project budgets and schedules.
- Work independently and in teams on multiple projects.
- Communicate complex technical information clearly, verbally and in writing.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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.
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.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
- Plan and execute experiments and data analysis with various quantum phenomena
- Simulate and extract useful information to understand experimental results and aid experimental processes
- Foster innovation by proposing new research and development projects and directions in the field of quantum photonics
- Engage with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance on emerging quantum-based technologies
- Deliver results on performance and reliability of state-of-the‑art quantum methods.
- Keep up to date with the latest literature
- Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization at large on additional projects
- Work with management on creating and executing projects’ budgets and schedules
- 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
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
- Training and mentorship will be provided
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Must work well in a team environment
- Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
- Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
- Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline(pursuing or conferred within 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 is required
- Knowledge of different types of quantum devices, sensors, and/or systems is required
- Some knowledge of nonlinear optics
- Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), as required
- Ability to efficiently incorporate Claude Code in their daily work flow for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks.
- 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.
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 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 the field of quantum technology such as quantum sensing, quantum‑enhanced sensing, and/or squeezed light is strongly preferred Experience giving short and concise technical presentations at conferences or large internal meetings
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) $110,400.00 - $165,500.00 Pay Basis: Annual
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
- 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
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.
The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.
Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.
We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.
Return to the Aerospace Careers site.
Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.
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