Quantum Photonics R&D Engineer I

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid holidays

Telework options

401k plan

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Quantum Photonics Scientist with Sr. Staff experience to advance research and development in optical and photonic quantum systems. You will engage with space programs, design experiments, and drive innovation in quantum sensing and related technologies.

Qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field, 0–1 year of industry experience, and ability to obtain security clearance. Travel up to ~10% and strong analytical skills are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• 0–1 year of industry work experience.
• Labs experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components.
• Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages.
• Knowledge of different types of quantum devices, sensors, and/or systems.
• Some knowledge of nonlinear optics.
• Willing to travel approximately 10% for work locations or customer sites.
• Ability to incorporate Claude Code in daily workflow for instruments and data analytics.
• Security clearance ability required; U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments and data analysis on quantum phenomena.
• Simulate and extract information to understand results and aid processes.
• Propose new research directions in quantum photonics.
• Engage with space programs, customers, and collaborators providing technical guidance.
• Deliver results on performance and reliability of quantum methods.
• Keep up with latest literature in the field.
• Collaborate with department and organization on projects.
• Assist in creating and executing project budgets and schedules.
• Work independently and in teams on multiple projects.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly, verbally and in writing.

Skills

Quantum photonics

Python

MATLAB

Quantum sensing

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Physics/Optics/EE/Chemistry

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, CA, is seeking a Quantum Photonics Scientist with Sr. Staff experience to advance research and development in optical and photonic quantum systems. You will engage with space programs, design experiments, and drive innovation in quantum sensing and related technologies.

Qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field, 0–1 year of industry experience, and ability to obtain security clearance. Travel up to ~10% and strong analytical skills are required.