Photonics Scientist

Leidos; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

11 holidays

401K with match

Flexible schedule

Stock purchase plan

Technical upskilling

Education support

Parental leave

Job summary

Leidos in Arlington, VA is seeking a Photonics Scientist to lead testing and design of edge-coupled integrated quantum photonic devices. You will simulate, design, and validate photonic circuits, collaborating with circuit designers and test engineers to meet project goals.

The role requires a BS/ MS with 4–8 years (or 2–4 years with MS) in physics/engineering, strong Python skills, and experience with photonics; US citizenship and DoD clearance eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• BS in physics, applied physics, engineering, or similar field with 4–8 years industry experience, or MS with 2–4 years.
• Experience with optimization of photonic components using COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent.
• Experience designing and building optical probing hardware setups and characterizing photonic components.
• Research in nonlinear optics, atomic physics, quantum information science, or quantum photonics.
• Proficiency in Python programming and object-oriented programming.
• Familiarity with GDS factory or similar design tools.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; able to work independently and lead technical efforts.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop approaches to integrated photonics for modeling, design, and testing.
• Perform numerical optimizations in photonics and quantum science.
• Design photonic circuits via script-based CAD file creation.
• Assemble and operate PIC probing hardware and test setups.
• Characterize photonic components on edge-coupled and grating-coupled devices.
• Explore emerging photonic technologies and publish results.
• Collaborate with peers, university, and government partners.

Skills

Python programming

Photonic optimization

Optical probing hardware

GDS tools

US citizenship

Education

BS in physics or engineering

MS in related field

PhD in physics/engineering (preferred)

Tools

COMSOL

Lumerical

GDS tooling

Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Photonics Scientist in our INTEL Sector’s Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos , we offer competitive benefits , including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

Photonics Scientistwill be based in our Arlington, VA office to further advance ourtest anddesign capabilities in integrated photonicsboth internally and on directgovernmentprograms.This rolewill take the lead inperformingtesting and characterizationofedge-coupled integratedquantum photonic devices.In addition,youmay performsimulation and design work to buildhigh-fidelitymodels for these photonic devices, which fall inthe areas of Quantum Sensing and Networking.In this position,youwill collaborate closely withothercircuit designers and test engineers to understand requirements and provide the necessary support to ensure successful completion of project goals and tasks.The candidate will be responsible for developing and applying new approaches in integrated photonics on topics such as non-linear optics, electro-optics, frequency conversion, and single photon detection. ***This is a hybrid role and there will be opportunities to be able to do some work remotely***

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative approaches to integrated photonics for component modeling, design, and testing.

• Perform open-ended numerical optimizations in the areasof photonicsand quantum science.

• Design photonic circuitsthrough script-based creation of CAD files.

• Design, construct, and operate all necessary PIC probing hardware set-ups and components.

• Characterize photonic circuit components on edge-coupled and grating-coupled devices using specialized probing hardware.

• Research and evaluate emerging photonic technologies.

• Participate in scientific meetings and publish in peer-reviewed literature.

• Work collegially with a talented team of peers as well as university and government collaborators.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or a similar technical field with 4- 8 years of relevant industry experience, orMS degree with 2-4 years of industry experience.

• Experience with optimizationof photonic components using simulation tools (COMSOL,Lumerical, or equivalent).

• Experience designing and building optical probing hardware set-ups, developing PIC test plans, and characterizing photonic circuit components.

• Research experience in the areas of nonlinear optics, atomic physics, quantum information science, and/or quantum photonics.

• Strongproficiencyin Python programmingand object-oriented programming.

• Familiarity with GDS factory or similar design tools.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills and ability to work independently on complex tasks and lead technical efforts.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

• Must be a US CITIZEN and be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or other equivalent area of expertise.

• Experience with PDKs, semiconductor or nanofabrication processing, and packaging of photonic integrated circuits.

• Experience conceptualizing and implementing new networking approaches and protocols.

• Experience with quantum sensing or communications.

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:

September 2, 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 $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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.