Postdoc: Chip-Scale Photonics for Space Telescope Metrology Lasers

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; California; On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Rideshare

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, seeks researchers to advance chip-scale laser systems, photonics, and quantum technologies for space telescopes and secure communications. A PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering is preferred with hands-on fabrication and instrument experience.

The appointee will collaborate with a JPL advisor, publish in open literature, and contribute to integrated photonic‑electronic‑quantum systems supporting

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with UV/e-beam lithography, etching, and deposition processes.
• Familiarity with photonic/electronic integration and lab instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor and publish results.

Education

PhD in Physics / Photonics / Quantum / Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SEM

AFM

Zemax

Comsol

Job description

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

This opportunity involves research and development activities in the following technology areas: 1. Chip-scale stable laser systems using MEMS and nanophotonic technologies including but not limited to silicon nitride on‑chip etalons and waveguides, lithium niobate modulators and waveguides, heterogeneous integration/packaging of photonic microdevices, on‑chip precision atomic and molecular spectroscopy, physics and chemistry with chip‑scale atomic and molecular vapor cells and photonic integration/packaging interfaces; 2. Supporting DC, RF, and microwave electronics and optoelectronics, including but not limited to cutting‑edge GaN, GaAs, InGaAs, InP, AlN, diamond, etc semiconductor technologies that potentially can be heterogeneously integrated with stable laser systems.

The goal is to develop integrated photonic‑electronic‑quantum systems for laser metrology in future large space telescopes, high‑speed and secure space communications, sensing, power transfer, and similar missions.

Candidate Qualifications:
Successful candidates should hold a PhD in Physics, Photonics, Quantum, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or relevant to the above technological areas and should be familiar with a few or more of the following analytical and experimental tools and processes: UV/e‑beam lithography, UV imprint, Thermal/E‑beam evaporation, Vapor Deposition, Reactive ion/ICP etching, dry/wet etching, Annealing, Poling, SEM, AFM, Nanophotonic design software, Comsol, Ansys, Cadence/Siemens Rf/Microwave EDA, Zemax, Optical Spectrum Analyzer, fiber splicer, RF/DC instruments, laser spectroscopy, Fabry‑Perot cavity/delay‑line characterization, on‑chip waveguide characterization, thermal‑mechanical stress analysis, Rf/Microwave load‑pull, monolithic‑microwave IC design, analog‑digital hybrid IC design, chip‑bonding and packaging physics and chemistry processes, etc.

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work‑life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$83,820 - $83,820
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.
EEO is the Law Supplement
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here .