Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher at Johns Hopkins Applied Phys[...]

Downtown Boulder Partnership; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 102,500 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks a Design and Characterization Researcher to advance optical metasurface concepts from modeling to prototype testing. You will combine computational design with experiments to enhance reflection, transmission, and absorption using advanced materials and tools.

The role involves collaborating with physicists and engineers to mature projects, perform characterization with FTIR/UV-Vis, and contribute to novel

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with at least one year of experience.
• Creative application of physics knowledge and experimental characterization of novel electromagnetic structures.
• Familiarity with tailoring electromagnetic fields to control reflection, transmission, and absorption through patterned surfaces and engineered material properties.
• Experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using hardware such as FTIR and UV-Vis spectrometers.
• Proficiency in scientific programming in at least one high-level language (e.g., C, C++, Java) or an interpreted language (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by start date and to ultimately obtain a Secret-level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Utilize computational tools to design and simulate the performance of optical metasurfaces.
• Perform experiments to characterize the performance of metasurfaces in the optical frequency range.
• Leverage commercial computational tools to build simulations and develop numerical solutions.
• Develop independent research and development ideas that demonstrate the potential of new and emerging technologies for groundbreaking applications within the sponsor base.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.

Skills

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CST

COMSOL

Job description

Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) – Laurel, MD.

Job Description

Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces? Do you have experience with commercial computational software and optimization tools to gain insight into the interplay between novel materials and electromagnetic fields—specifically optical and infrared—and improve the design accordingly? Do you seek to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to carry your solutions through the full cycle of design, fabrication, characterization, and prototyping? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

As part of a multi‑disciplinary research team, you will join computational and experimental scientists and engineers passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact future electromagnetic devices using novel metasurface and phase‑change material designs. Our team values high‑risk, high‑reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.

We are seeking a creative and multidisciplinary scientist to help mature existing projects and grow new ones by identifying emerging sponsor challenges that require novel electromagnetic solutions in the optical frequency range. Projects will range from fundamental discovery to advanced prototype demonstration. As a member of our team, you’ll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real‑world transitioned technologies.

Responsibilities

As a Design and Characterization Researcher, you will:

• Utilize computational tools to design and simulate the performance of optical metasurfaces.
• Perform experiments to characterize the performance of metasurfaces in the optical frequency range.
• Leverage commercial computational tools to build simulations and develop numerical solutions.
• Develop independent research and development ideas that demonstrate the potential of new and emerging technologies for groundbreaking applications within the APL sponsor base.
• Collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with at least one year of experience.
• Creative application of physics knowledge and experimental characterization of novel electromagnetic structures.
• Familiarity with tailoring electromagnetic fields to control reflection, transmission, and absorption through patterned surfaces and engineered material properties.
• Experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using hardware such as FTIR and UV‑Vis spectrometers.
• Proficiency in scientific programming in at least one high‑level language (e.g., C, C++, Java) or an interpreted language (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by start date and to ultimately obtain a Secret‑level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Insight into fabrication methods and tolerances pertinent to engineered electromagnetic surfaces.
• Experience building numerical models for solving electromagnetic problems using commercial tools such as CST and COMSOL.

About APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to defense, security, space, and science challenges. Our culture celebrates diverse perspectives and encourages creativity and bold ideas. APL offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can grow and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Benefits

APL provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Additional compensation may include bonuses, sign‑on bonuses, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum/Maximum Rate

Minimum Rate: $102,500 Annually Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually