Quantum Optics Research Physicist/Electrical Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; City of Syracuse (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY is seeking a mid-level Research Physicist or Electrical Engineer (DR-02, GS-12/13 or equivalent) to join the Quantum Photonics Team and bridge theoretical device design with physical realization.

The role focuses on end-to-end photonic design, PIC layout, process collaboration with foundries, advanced optical testbeds, and quantum measurement work, with opportunities to develop automated data acquisition and iterative improvements.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design, simulation, and optimization of photonic components and circuits.
• Develop and verify mask layouts for PICs to meet design rules and manufacturing constraints.
• Collaborate with semiconductor foundries and cleanrooms on process development and PDK creation.
• Design, assemble, and align optical testbeds for device characterization.
• Conduct experimental testing of classical and quantum performance metrics.
• Develop automated data acquisition scripts and analyze experimental data.

Skills

Photonic simulation

Python programming

C programming

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited S&E degree

Ph.D. in Physics/Applied Physics/Nanotechnology/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Tidy3D

KLayout

CAD

3D printing

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting applications until 11:45 PM EST, 1 February 2027.

Job Overview

The Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (RF), Information Systems Division (RFC), seeks to hire a mid-level, DR-02 (GS-12/13 or equivalent) Research Physicist or Electrical Engineer for the AFRL Quantum Photonics Team located in Rome, New York. The incumbent will bridge the gap between theoretical device design and physical realization.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Lead the end-to-end design, simulation, and optimization of active and passive integrated photonic components and circuits using industry-standard computational modeling and simulation suites.
• Develop and verify physical mask layouts for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), ensuring full compliance with established design rules and manufacturing constraints.
• Collaborate closely with external semiconductor foundries and cleanroom facilities on process development, novel material integration, and the creation of custom Process Design Kits (PDKs).
• Design, assemble, and align advanced optical testbeds utilizing both free-space and fiber-to-chip coupling techniques for device characterization.
• Conduct rigorous experimental testing to evaluate and validate classical and quantum performance metrics, employing advanced optical and quantum measurement techniques.
• Develop automated data acquisition scripts and analyze complex experimental datasets to drive iterative improvements back into the device design and fabrication cycle.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance as a condition of employment.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled.
• S&E candidates must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an ABET accredited academic institution.

To Qualify For This Position As a Physicist

• Degree must be in physics or a related degree that includes at least 24 semester hours in physics.
• Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either A or B above, the courses must include a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

To Qualify For This Position As An Electrical Engineer

• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution.
• Must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the DR-01/GS-11 (or equivalent pay system).
• This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification in the Engineering & Technical Management stall. Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on their resume. The selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field, with hands-on experimental research experience in quantum optics or integrated photonics.
• Computational Design & Simulation: Demonstrated expertise in photonic simulation tools, with strong proficiency in Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, or similar software for electromagnetic and thermal modeling of photonic chips.
• Layout & Mask Generation: Proven experience using KLayout (or equivalent) for GDS layout generation and rigorous design rule validation (DRC).
• Experimental & Laboratory Skills: Hands-on laboratory experience with fiber optics, bulk optics, laser systems, precision optical alignment, and fiber-to-chip coupling.
• Quantum Instrumentation: Practical familiarity with advanced quantum detection hardware, specifically Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs).
• Automation & Programming: Strong programming skills in Python, C, or similar languages for instrument control, automated optical experimentation, and data analysis.
• Advanced Material Platforms: Direct experience working with specialized photonic platforms, including CMOS Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI), Silicon Nitride, and Aluminum Nitride photonics.
• Hardware Integration & Packaging: Proven experience with PCB design and fabrication, as well as hands-on wire bonding capabilities.
• CAD & Rapid Prototyping: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for fabricating custom physical components, alongside experience utilizing various 3D printing systems across diverse materials.
• Cryogenic & Vacuum Systems: Operational experience with advanced cryogenic cooling and vacuum setups, such as dilution refrigerators, SNSPDs, ion traps, or scanning electron microscopes (SEMs).
• Cleanroom Operations: Hands-on experience in Class 100 cleanroom management and direct nanofabrication tool operation.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0850 1310

Additional Information

Resume requirement: Resume may not exceed two pages, and font size should be no smaller than 10pts. Resume with relevant start/end dates in MM/DD/YY format, per experience. Additional information on how to complete the two-page resume is located at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit. Transcripts/SF-50 requirement: redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII) (social security number, date of birth, etc.).

Requisition Number 28402

Posting End Date 02/01/2027