Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

The Instrument Systems, Microdevices, and Sensors Section (365) is responsible for developing and infusing next generation technologies spanning quantum, micro-nanodevices and sensors that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications.  This section also serves to support the Communications and Instruments Division implement flight instruments through Instrument Systems Engineering, Instrument Integration and Test spanning from RF through ultraviolet (UV), including micro-electro-mechanical systems and quantum engineering.

We invite you to join the Superconductive Materials and Devices Group to serve as a Microdevices Engineer II. You will be reporting administratively to the Technical Group Supervisor. The Superconductive Materials and Devices Group (365H) develops novel sensors that operate as closely as possible to fundamental limits of detection, from the microwave to the far-infrared to the optical and ultraviolet. It is widely recognized as one of the premier institutions for the development of superconducting detectors in the world.

We seek a Microdevices Engineer II to lead the development of large-format mid-infrared cameras based on superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, for time-resolved single photon counting. Applications include astronomy, semiconductor failure analysis, biomedical imaging, quantum information science, remote sensing, and dark matter detection.

You will lead the development of nanofabrication process development for advanced SNSPD cameras, including the development and optimization of superconducting materials for high performance at mid-infrared wavelengths. You will advance the state of the art in device performance in SNSPDs, developing sensors which simultaneously achieve high optical efficiency, low timing jitter, high maximum count rate, low dark counts, and high pixel counts, all at mid-infrared wavelengths. This work is at the forefront of advanced future sensors for space applications.

Tasks will include but not limited to:

• Developing new nanofabrication processes for large-format SNSPD cameras which take advantage of the new 90-nm ASML photolithography tool within MDL
• Tuning and optimizing superconducting material deposition parameters to achieve optimal device performance in large SNSPD cameras
• Designing new SNSPD sensors, including mask layout, material choices, and parametric device design.
• Testing SNSPD cameras at sub-kelvin temperatures
• Developing advanced readout solutions for highly multiplexed SNSPD cameras.

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with 3 years of related experience, or Masters with 1 years of related experience, or PhD with 0 years of related experience.
• Hands-on experience with nanofabrication process development for superconducting nanowire single photon detectors. Experience and knowledge of advanced lithography tools, etch processes, and fabrication process steps for SNSPDs.
• Direct experience optimizing superconducting materials for superconducting detectors, using physical deposition techniques such as sputtering and atomic layer deposition.
• Extensive understanding of superconducting materials, the physics of the photon detection process in SNSPDs, and the physics involved with trading off different device parameters
• Hands-on experience and practical advanced knowledge in design, fabrication, and testing of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors at sub-kelvin temperatures
• Committed team leader with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience with SNSPD development
• Experience with mid-infrared SNSPD measurements

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.