Sr. Photonics Scientist

Leidos; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Arlington, VA is seeking a Senior Photonics Scientist to advance testing and design of edge-coupled integrated quantum photonic devices, collaborating with circuit designers and test engineers on government programs. The role blends simulation, design, and experimental work in a hybrid setting.

The candidate will develop new approaches in integrated photonics on topics like nonlinear optics, electro‑optics, and single‑photon detection, with opportunities to publish findings and work

Qualifications

• BS in Physics/Engineering with 8–12 years (MS with 6–10 years) industry experience.
• Experience with photonic component optimization using COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalents.
• Experience designing optical probing hardware, PIC test plans, and photonic component characterization.
• Research in nonlinear optics, quantum information, or quantum photonics.
• Strong Python programming and object‑oriented skills.
• Familiarity with GDS factory or similar design tools.
• Analytical, problem‑solving, and independent leadership abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication; US citizen with DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative approaches to photonics for modeling, design, and testing.
• Perform open-ended numerical optimizations in photonics and quantum science.
• Design photonic circuits via script-based CAD file creation.
• Build and operate PIC probing hardware setups and components.
• Characterize photonic circuit components on edge- and grating-coupled devices.
• Research and evaluate emerging photonic technologies.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed literature and collaborate with teams.

Skills

Python programming

Photonic optimization

PIC testing

Nonlinear optics

Quantum photonics

GDS design tools

Technical writing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Engineering/Applied Physics

Master's degree in a related field with 6–10 years experience

PhD in Physics/Engineering or related field (preferred)

Tools

COMSOL

Lumerical

GDS factory or similar tools

Job description

Job Description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr Photonics Scientist in our INTEL Sector’s Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos , we offer competitive benefits , including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

The Sr. Photonics Scientist will be based in our Arlington, VA office to further advance our test and design capabilities in integrated photonics both internally and on direct government programs. This role will take the lead in performing testing and characterization of edge-coupled integrated quantum photonic devices. In addition, you may perform simulation and design work to build high-fidelity models for these photonic devices, which fall in the areas of Quantum Sensing and Networking. In this position, you will collaborate closely with other circuit designers and test engineers to understand requirements and provide the necessary support to ensure successful completion of project goals and tasks. The candidate will be responsible for developing and applying new approaches in integrated photonics on topics such as non-linear optics, electro-optics, frequency conversion, and single photon detection. This is a hybrid role and there will be opportunities to be able to do some work remotely.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative approaches to integrated photonics for component modeling, design, and testing.
• Perform open-ended numerical optimizations in the areas of photonics and quantum science.
• Design photonic circuits through script-based creation of CAD files.
• Design, construct, and operate all necessary PIC probing hardware set-ups and components.
• Characterize photonic circuit components on edge-coupled and grating-coupled devices using specialized probing hardware.
• Research and evaluate emerging photonic technologies.
• Participate in scientific meetings and publish in peer-reviewed literature.
• Work collegially with a talented team of peers as well as university and government collaborators.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or a similar technical field with 8-12 years of relevant industry experience, or MS degree with 6-10 years of industry experience.
• Experience with optimization of photonic components using simulation tools (COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent).
• Experience designing and building optical probing hardware set-ups, developing PIC test plans, and characterizing photonic circuit components.
• Research experience in the areas of nonlinear optics, atomic physics, quantum information science, and/or quantum photonics.
• Strong proficiency in Python programming and object-oriented programming.
• Familiarity with GDS factory or similar design tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills and ability to work independently on complex tasks and lead technical efforts.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Must be a US CITIZEN and be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or other equivalent area of expertise.
• Experience with PDKs, semiconductor or nanofabrication processing, and packaging of photonic integrated circuits.
• Experience conceptualizing and implementing new networking approaches and protocols.
• Experience with quantum sensing or communications.

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.