Photonics Scientist: Hybrid Quantum Sensing & Design

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 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.