Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,300 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper, an independent nonprofit R&D company in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Senior Condensed Matter Physicist to advance quantum- and condensed matter-based sensing platforms. In this role, you will design, model, test, and characterize room-temperature solid-state detectors and photonic sensors, collaborating across physics and engineering teams.

The position emphasizes deep fundamentals in optics, electromagnetics, materials, thermodynamics, and data analysis, with opportunities to lead hardware

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar.
• PhD degree preferred.
• 5-7 years experience in Physics Engineering or related field (bachelor’s) or 3-5 years (master’s).

Responsibilities

• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• Plans and conducts hardware projects or phases of projects.
• Develops quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
• Provides recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction.
• Independently executes analysis assignments under program leadership.

Skills

Programming proficiency

Hardware project leadership

Technical communication

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Physics/Engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

As a Senior Condensed Matter Physicist, the candidate will play a critical role in the development of advanced quantum- and condensed matter-based platforms for highly precise sensing, detection, timing, and measurement systems. Specifically, the candidate is expected to work on quantum solid-state sensing and detection and to conceive, design, model, test, and characterize novel methods for using room-temperature condensed matter structures to outperform conventional detectors. The candidate is expected to have deep fundamental knowledge and experience with optics, electromagnetics, materials, devices, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and/or acoustics. It is highly desirable that the candidate have some experience with theory, simulation, and experimental work. A Senior Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical engineer or similar who works at the intersection of physics and engineering. Someone in this role designs, develops, modifies, and tests hardware and produces prototype designs. Diagnoses malfunctions and makes modifications to produce desired results. Compiles and evaluates design and test data and prepares technical specifications and is responsible for planning and conducting projects or phases of projects.

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
• Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
• Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
• Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
• Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Independently execute analysis assignments under the oversight of program leadership.
• Contribute content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in programming language.
• Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
• Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
• Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Education

Requires a bachelor\'s or master\'s degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar. PhD degree preferred.

Experience

5-7 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a bachelor\'s degree. 3-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master\'s degree.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, which requires proof of US citizenship.

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Job Location

City: Cambridge

State: Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $82,300.00 - $220,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement\'s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].