Research Physicist - Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing (AMOS)

Air Force Research Laboratory; Kihei (HI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Telework eligibility

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory seeks a qualified physicist to lead applied research in optical sciences for space domain awareness. The role involves hands-on EO hardware integration for ground-based telescopes, beam-path modeling, and sensor evaluation using Zemax and Python/Matlab.

The position requires a US citizenship, a physics degree with relevant coursework, and experience at the DR-01/GS-12 level. A security clearance is required and telework eligibility is noted.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Degree in physics or related field with at least 24 physics semester hours.
• At least 1 year of specialized DR-01/GS-12 level experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Critical Sensitive security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conducts applied research, optical physics modeling, and hands-on integration of EO hardware for ground-based telescopes supporting Space Domain Awareness.
• Evaluates, tests, and integrates sensor technologies (focal plane arrays, CCDs, sCMOS) onto telescope systems.
• Models optical beam propagation, Zernike modes, and wave-front aberrations to design re-imaged pupil/focus locations.
• Applies control and dynamics to telescope tracking, FSMs, and automated focus control systems.
• Uses Zemax and Python/Matlab for beam-path simulation, sensor characterization, and data analysis.
• Assesses EO telescope sensor tech, COTS components, and hardware trade-offs to enhance space surveillance.
• Manages technical execution, cost, schedule, and performance risks for projects.
• Documents findings and presents updates to leadership and partners.

Education

Physics degree with 24 physics credits

Tools

Python

Matlab

Zemax

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 HAST, 26 September 2026.

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 HAST, 26 September 2026.

Duties for the position include, but are not limited to:

• Conducts applied research, optical physics modeling, and hands‑on integration of electro‑optical (EO) component‑level hardware for ground‑based telescopes supporting Space Domain Awareness.
• Evaluates, tests, and integrates advanced sensor technologies, such as focal plane arrays, CCDs, sCMOS cameras, and neuromorphic event‑based cameras onto optical telescope systems.
• Analyzes and models optical beam propagation, Zernike modes, and wave‑front aberrations to design optical beam‑paths that accurately re‑image pupil/focus locations.
• Applies control and dynamics principles relevant to physics‑based telescope tracking and pointing systems, fast‑steering mirrors, and automated focus control mechanisms.
• Utilizes optical design codes (e.g., Zemax) and scientific programming environments (Python/MatLab) for beam path simulation, sensor characterization, and observational data analysis.
• Evaluates ground‑based EO telescope sensor technology, COTS optical components, and hardware trade‑offs to enhance space surveillance capabilities.
• Manages technical execution, cost, schedule, and performance risks for applied research projects and Phase II SBIR programs.
• Documents research findings, authors technical reports, and presents updates to senior leadership, inter‑agency partners, and international collaborators.

Required Qualifications

• United States citizenship
• Must possess a degree in physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics from an accredited academic institution.
• Must have at least 1 year of specialized experience at the DR-01/GS-12 or equivalent grade level. Specialized experience is experience providing the capacity and skills for working independently, leading collaborative events, working in teams and using these approaches to find and solve complex problems. Such experience may also include training personnel, collaborative process facilitation, innovation design practice, writing background, editing job roles, continuous process improvement credentials, multi‑agency liaison work, published work in refereed technical journals, and/or briefings to large groups.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Critical Sensitive security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• A MS or PhD (preferred) in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, optical sciences, computer science, electrical engineering or similar scientific discipline.
• At least mid‑level (5+ years) experience in astronomical instrumentation, optical design, ground‑based telescope observations, imaging sciences, data science, and/or computational modeling and simulation is highly desired.
• Demonstrated proficiency or strong technical aptitude to learn optical design tools alongside scientific data modeling and machine learning tools in Python.
• Applied knowledge of dynamics and control principles applicable to telescope pointing, fast‑steering mirrors (FSMs), precision focus control systems, laser physics, laser beam conditioning/propagation, and/or applying machine learning to any of these sciences.

Telework

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

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

1310

Additional Information

Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.

Instructions on how to submit documents are provided in the automated email you will receive once you apply. Candidates with resumes longer than 2‑pages will not be considered.

Requisition Number

37443

Posting End Date

09/26/2026