Staff Quantum Optical Research Scientist

Lockheed Martin; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 136,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible work arrangements (e.g., 4x10

401(k) match

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental Leave

EAP

Education Assistance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Lockheed Martin's LM Advanced Technology Center seeks a Staff Research Scientist to contribute to R&D of advanced physical, chemical, and optical systems for remote sensing and communications. You will design and perform experiments, and report results while modeling complex systems.

The role emphasizes lasers, optics, cryogenics, high-performance detectors, and wavelength stabilization. US citizenship and ability to obtain a clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Design/modeling of complex physical and chemical systems.
• Experience with lasers, optics, cryogenics and high-performance detectors.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain US Government clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform scientific experiments and investigations of physical phenomena.
• Develop theories and models based on experimental data.
• Coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts.
• Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position.

Skills

Advanced degree

Lasers & Optics

Precision electronics

High-performance detectors

Wavelength stabilization

Optical materials

Theoretical modeling

US citizenship

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Mathematica

Job description

LM ATC seeks an experienced professional Staff Research Scientist to participate in the full life cycle of research & development of advanced physical, chemical, and optical systems for the study of classical and quantum-mechanical phenomena in remote sensing and communications.

Successful candidates have expertise in the design, development, performance and reporting of experiments to measure fundamental classical and quantum-mechanical light-matter interactions. The candidate has experimental research experience in atomic, molecular, nuclear, solid state, thermal, and other physical phenomena. The candidate has experience developing theories based on observed results of experiments and predicting phenomena based on theoretical considerations in areas such as acoustics, electricity and magnetism, electronics, heat, light, mechanics, radiation, optics, and lasers. The candidate has experience in the use of lasers, optics, cryogenics, vacuum systems, precision electronics, and high-performance detectors for the measurement of linear and nonlinear dynamics. You should have direct and relevant experience in the design and modeling of complex physical and chemical systems, precise wavelength and phase stabilization of lasers, optical parametric oscillators and amplifiers and frequency conversion devices, familiarity with current state-of-the-art in linear and nonlinear optical materials, and optical systems. Additional knowledge of related laser-based remote sensing technologies is desired, including coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric sciences. A demonstrated experience in proposing and winning independent research funding is desired. You should be able to successfully work together in small and large teams to achieve complex research objectives.

The candidate is expected to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 9 years of professional experience; or 7 years of professional experience with a related master’s degree; or 4 years of professional experience with a related doctoral degree. Successful candidates would be a U.S. Citizen, willing and able to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Standard job description: Performs scientific experiments, investigations, observations and related research studies into the nature and operation of natural phenomena in a particular field, using the scientific methods. Develops theories for understanding, characterizing and organizing natural phenomena into a systematic and meaningful pattern for the benefit of project advancement and emerging technologies. May participate in intellectual property evaluations and development of patent applications. May coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related field
• Design/modeling of complex physical and chemical systems
• Knowledge and experience with standard analysis tools (MATLAB, Mathematica) and theoretical/analytical computational skills
• Experience in the use of lasers, optics, cryogenics, vacuum systems, precision electronics, and high-performance detectors for the measurement of linear and nonlinear dynamics
• Experience in the precise wavelength and phase stabilization of lasers
• Experience in state-of-the-art linear and non-linear optical materials and optical systems
• US citizenship
• Willing and able to obtain a US Government clearance

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of and experience with laser-based remote sensing technologies (e.g.: coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation and/or atmospheric sciences, optical detection, signal/image processing)
• Knowledge of and experience with technologies related to quantum optical remote sensing, quantum optical communications, and/or quantum optical computing
• PhD degree in a related field
• Current/active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI access
• Knowledge of and experience with optical frequency conversion such as parametric oscillators and amplifiers
• Knowledge of performance-limiting features (polarization impurity, RF noise, phase noise)
• Demonstrated experience in proposing and winning independent research funding
• Experience with both product-development and technology-development programs

Interview Questions

Decision Making/ Judgement: What was the most difficult professional decision you have had to make? How did you weigh your options? How did you arrive at the decision? How do you defend your decision?

Business Development/Capture Management - Program Proposal Development

Innovation: How do you decide which ideas to turn into proposals?

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: What process do you use to make sure you don't miss any details before a project is completed?

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $135700.00 - $251900.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well‑being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.