Optical Engineer - EOSL-Open Rank (Entry-Junior Level)

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI); Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in Atlanta is seeking an early-career Optical Engineer to join the Photonics and Microelectronics Division. You will conduct experiments, build and test EO-IR subsystems, and support RF/photonic circuit design across aerospace projects.

You will translate system requirements into optical specs, perform data analysis, and document results while collaborating with a team of engineers on diverse national security applications.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an accredited degree program with graduation by May 2027.
• BS in optical sciences, applied optics, EE, applied physics, physics or microelectronics.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python and in automating tests.
• Hands-on lab work and ability to run basic electrical, RF, and optical tests.
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Layout simple optical designs in modeling software under guidance.
• Perform basic experiments, calculations, and simulations for sensing applications.
• Conduct literature surveys on research topics.
• Generate documentation of experiments and results.
• Build and characterize RF subsystems with discrete components and ICs.
• Assemble and test hardware for cubesats and related platforms.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Automation

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences/Optical Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Applied Physics/Physics/Microelectronics

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Power meters

Signal generators

Job description

Overview

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

The Photonics and Microelectronics Division (PMD) in the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL) of GTRI is searching for an early-career Optical Engineer willing and able to work on multiple projects within the Division, as the need arises, including conducting laboratory experiments, modeling experimental data, and building hardware. PMD currently performs advanced research and development that involves development and packaging of photonic / RF / fiber optic subsystems, photonic integrated circuits, RF/millimeter-wave devices, advanced materials and components, and spacecraft hardware. Components and sub-systems are used in a variety of systems and applications, primarily for aerospace and national security platforms. The successful candidate will support work across the Division, as described in the Additional Responsibilities section. The PMD team is skilled in fiber optics and comms; building optical & RF subsystems with both discrete components & ICs; design, simulation, fabrication, packaging and measurement of RF and photonic ICs and subsystems; synthesis and deposition of advanced materials and semiconductors; materials physics and chemistry; and weathering of materials in low earth orbit. PMD is a leader in the Georgia Tech Microelectronics community as well as the Space Technology community. GTRI offers a dynamic, collaborative environment, where research faculty generate new ideas for projects to serve the needs of the warfighter and national security, with opportunities to perform on projects outside the division to broaden their knowledge & experience.

Job Purpose

An Optical Engineer leverages knowledge and skills from the fields of optical sciences and optics manufacturing to research, design, model, analyze, assemble, integrate, and test complex EO-IR systems for applications in imaging, remote sensing, and telecommunications. The optical engineer gathers system requirements and translates them into optical specifications, tolerances, and error budgets based on performance/capability objectives and system lifecycle. Derived requirements reflect environmental and platform challenges and constraints such as temperature, vibration, shock, humidity, etc. Performs sensitivity analysis, link budget/radiometry, pointing stability, and stray light analysis through leveraging modeling and simulation tools that also enable analysis of alternatives and trades studies activities. Determines sources for commercial and custom optical components including: lenses, mirrors, holographic optical elements, mounts, lasers, fiber-optics, adaptive optical elements, optical scanners, and metrology equipment. Designs end-to-end optical layouts, optical alignment procedures, and characterization procedures in support of implementation into final systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Layout simple optical designs in optical modeling software per guidance from more senior engineers
• Perform basic experiments, calculations, and/or simulations to assess the performance of optical systems for various sensing applications -Conduct basic data analysis on the results of optical measurements and/or simulations
• Perform literature surveys on research topics
• Generate documentation of experiments and results

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct benchtop experiments in the optics laboratory using free-space & fiber optics, lasers, modulators, amplifiers, common integrated circuits, etc.
• Build and characterize RF subsystems with discrete components, common ICs, apertures, etc.
• Integrate GTRI custom sensors and subsystems into UAS, pods, aircraft, etc.
• Integrate off-the-shelf devices such as radars, communications systems, lidars, lasers, sensors into functional systems and onto platforms.
• Design custom electronic circuits and circuit boards for project needs
• Assemble and test hardware for cubesats, including vacuum and cryogenic systems

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2027
• B.S. degree in optical sciences, applied optics, electrical engineering, applied physics, physics or microelectronics
• Programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• Skills in automation, interfacing computers with instruments and sensors for control / data collection, etc.
• Laboratory and computer skills as demonstrated in independent undergrad projects, graduate thesis research, laboratory internships, etc. Enjoyment of careful, hands-on lab work.
• Experience performing basic electrical, RF, and optical tests using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, signal generators & analyzers.
• Ability to design a functional optical system, with advice and supervision
• Familiarity with semiconductor devices, theory of operation, and applications
• Familiarity with principles of operation and understanding of specifications for common devices such as lasers, lidar, or fiber optic comms links, etc.
• Strong sense of curiosity in both the technical and non-technical aspects of working in applied research. Broad interests and flexibility to contribute to different types of projects and assignments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance
• Ability to design a functional optical system, working independently
• Expertise and experience with acoustic sensing using fiber optics
• Experience and expertise in direct detection and coherent optical communications
• Detailed knowledge and experience with one or more common electronic and optical devices such as radar, lidar, radio & fiber optic comms links, lasers, CCDs, imagers, focal plane arrays, etc.
• Strong knowledge of radio frequency engineering, circuit concepts, microfabrication techniques, or device physics
• Experience building subsystems with analog RF ICs, digital ICs, and/or photonic ICs.
• Working knowledge of microcontrollers & FPGAs and their integration into subsystems
• Basic mechanical engineering or materials science courses to supplement more applied physics & electrical engineering backgrounds
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience

Travel Requirements

<10% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Physics

Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.