Photonics Technologies Scientist

Job Summary  

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. 

The Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL) focuses on areas of electronics and photonics directed towards development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver 100% mission success in the rigors of the space environment. Within EPL, The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) focuses on laser-based technology research and development for space systems, with efforts in integrated photonics, quantum photonics, microwave photonics, lidar, atomic clocks, and others. 

As the Photonics Technologies Scientist (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Research Scientist - Optical and Photonic Systems), you will work alongside the Directed Energy and Radiation Effects Section of PTD to pursue fundamental and applied research into radiation effects on materials, components, and integrated devices. Our team conducts experiments on laser damage thresholds, photonic device response to laser irradiation, and single event effect testing on electronic devices. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. 

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Providing technical support to national security space programs, internal project leaders and external collaborators 

• Planning, developing and executing experiments related to photonic device characterization 

• Supporting in the development, use, and maintenance of bespoke testbeds probing materials and device resiliency to multiple radiation types  

• Preparing and presenting technical reports to various audiences including technical collaborators, customers and Aerospace program offices 

• Engaging with collaborators and program offices to deliver results and provide technical guidance 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Senior Member of Technical Staff- Optical and Photonic Systems include:

• PhD degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is required

• A minimum of (5) years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience (graduate school research experience may count toward this requirement), demonstrating a proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and the ability to solve complex technical challenges is required

• Knowledge of and hands-on laboratory experience in optical spectroscopy, high energy laser physics, or characterization of optoelectronic device physics 

• Ability to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams 

• Experience with Python, LabView, MATLAB or similar software for data analysis and instrument control 

• Willing to travel domestically and internationally approximately 10% of the time (as needed)

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Research Scientist - Optical and Photonic Systems include:  

• A minimum of (8) years of progressively responsible professional engineering or scientific experience (graduate school research experience may count toward this requirement), demonstrating a proven track record of technical leadership, innovation, and the ability to solve complex technical challenges is required. 

• Industry-specific experience in a customer-facing role 

• Demonstrated contributions to technical literature in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, or other technical reports 

• Experience leading technical teams through projects from conception to completion 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• Demonstrated ability to write research proposals for external funding

• Knowledge of government project lifecycles

• Proven track record leading campaigns at U.S. Government scientific user facilities

• Experience combining experimental results with software tools for simulation and modeling of high energy laser physics

• A current and active TS/SCI is security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred . U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance