Optical Materials Scientist

Califesciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Defense Space is seeking an Optical Materials Scientist to drive the development of tunable optical metasurfaces for multi- and hyper-spectral sensing on next-generation space missions. The role combines optical simulation, nanofabrication, and laboratory experimentation.

You will lead full-wave modeling, design and validation, and collaborate with senior engineers to translate experimental data into actionable design decisions that advance infrared optical materials and metasurfaces for

Qualifications

• Experience with optical/infrared materials and metasurfaces.
• Strong background in material properties and spectroscopy is preferred.
• Experience in research or development in optical materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-wave electromagnetic modeling of tunable infrared metasurfaces.
• Architect and validate performance models for IR sensor systems.
• Plan fabrication methods for optimized optical designs.
• Design and execute laboratory characterization to validate models.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Analyze data and document results for IR&D milestones.

Skills

Full-wave modeling experience

Optical/metamaterial knowledge

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

BS in Physics/Materials/Optics

MS in related field

Tools

Ansys HFSS

COMSOL

Lumerical

Job description

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable optical metasurfaces designed to enable multi- and hyper-spectral sensing on next-generation space missions.

Our Space Business Area is actively transforming space payload solutions through customer-funded programs and high-impact internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. If you are passionate about enabling groundbreaking capabilities in space-based sensing and working at the intersection of optical simulation, nanofabrication, and laboratory experimentation, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Modeling: Lead full-wave electromagnetic modeling to identify, optimize, and evaluate tunable infrared metasurface filters based on phase change materials.
• Performance Simulation: Architect advanced models to analyze the specific impact of tunable filters on the overall performance of infrared sensor systems.
• Fabrication Planning: Research, identify, and establish viable methods to successfully fabricate optimized optical designs.
• Experimental Validation: Create and execute comprehensive laboratory characterization plans to validate modeled performance against real-world data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to evaluate, test, and mature emerging optical technologies.
• Data Analysis & Documentation: Analyze experimental data to inform ongoing design decisions and document technical results to support IR&D and formal program milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS degree with 6+ years of prior relevant. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Security Clearance: US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Core Experience: Demonstrated research or development experience specifically in optical and infrared materials.
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic modeling software (e.g., Ansys HFSS, COMSOL, or Lumerical).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the infrared/optical properties of materials (including phase change materials), metamaterials, and metasurfaces.
• Sensor Technology: Foundational familiarity or experience with infrared detector technology.
• Optimization Skills: Experience utilizing optimization methods, including adjoint gradient descent and topology optimization.
• Professional Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, sharp attention to detail, and effective written/verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Clearance: Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Cleanroom Experience: Hands-on experience with cleanroom environments and nanofabrication techniques (e.g., electron-beam lithography, photolithography, etching).
• Spaceflight Hardware: Prior exposure to designing optical components intended for space environments or satellite payloads.
• Programming: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for automated data collection or custom optical modeling scripts.
• Publication Record: Record of research contributions demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, or development of relevant optical technologies.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.