Optical Materials Scientist

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

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Materials Scientist in San Diego, CA, to advance tunable infrared metasurface filters for multi- and hyper-spectral sensing on space missions. You will model, simulate, fabricate, and validate designs, collaborating with senior engineers to transition concepts from theory to hardware.

The role requires eight or more years in optical/infrared materials, experience with full-wave solvers (HFSS/COMSOL/Lumerical), and the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD secret

Qualifications

• BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics or related field with 8+ years of experience or MS with 6+ years.
• Experience with optical/infrared materials research or development.
• Proficiency in full-wave electromagnetic modeling software (HFSS/COMSOL/Lumerical).
• Knowledge of infrared/optical properties of materials, metamaterials, and metasurfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-wave electromagnetic modeling to identify and optimize tunable infrared metasurface filters.
• Architect models to analyze impact of tunable filters on infrared sensor systems.
• Identify viable fabrication methods for optimized optical designs.
• Develop laboratory characterization plans to validate modeled performance.

Skills

Full-wave electromagnetic modeling

Infrared materials knowledge

Python / MATLAB / C++

Data analysis

Strong communication

Problem solving

Cleanroom exposure

Education

BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, or Optics

MS degree in related field or Doctorate

Tools

Ansys HFSS

COMSOL

Lumerical

Job description

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.

Original Posting

August 19, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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.