Postdoctoral Appointee - Integrated Photonics, Onsite

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to advance silicon photonic and other integrated photonic technologies for quantum (ex. network, clock, inertial sensor), RF (ex. microwave signal processing), data communications (ex. data center, free‑space), and harsh environment (ex. radiation, cryogenic) applications using heterogeneous integration, innovative designs, and novel physics phenomena. The postdoc will collaborate with 60+ researchers in Sandia’s National Security Photonics Center at the MESA Fabrication Facility.

• Perform ground‑breaking scientific research in broad wavelength integrated photonic platforms with different heterogeneous integrated materials through theoretical analysis, simulation, design, and characterization of novel devices and systems for both classical and quantum applications.
• Implement new concepts in device design, measurement, fabrication, and packaging.
• Conduct experiments in laser laboratories and other specialized environments.
• Build world‑first application demonstrations with photonic devices.
• Collaborate with researchers inside the department, across Sandia Labs, and with external academia, industry, and government partners.
• Report research results in top‑tier journals and conferences.
• Generate new intellectual property through patent filing as applicable.

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Optical Science, or other related STEM technical area conferred within five (5) years prior to employment.
• Experience performing original research, demonstrated through a record of invention, original publications in top‑tier journals, and conference papers and presentations.
• Experience in nonlinear optics and experimental characterization.
• Experience using simulation software such as COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink, FDTD codes, etc.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance.

• Familiarity with basic knowledge of semiconductor physics and optical materials.
• Background in integrated photonics applications such as quantum computing, networking and sensing, LIDAR, imaging, RF photonics, or optical communications.
• Experience with radio frequency circuits and systems.
• Experience with cryogenic testing equipment and methods.
• Experience with radiation science and radiation testing.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Design and test of photonics devices (e.g., wave guides, gratings, modulators, lasers, amplifiers, optical detectors).
  • Design and test of photonics microsystems, i.e., integrated optical circuits with passive and active integrated devices.
  • Small‑scale optical packaging of silicon photonics devices, including co‑packaging with electronic chips.
  • Nonlinear optics theories and experiments.
  • High‑speed characterization of devices, testing automation, electrical probe stations, and operation of high‑speed and high‑frequency test equipment such as bit‑error‑rate test equipment, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and high‑speed oscilloscopes.
  • Interfacing electrical components to optical microsystems (e.g., modulator drivers, transimpedance amplifiers, and electronic control circuits).
  • Expertise in nano‑fabrication (including heterogeneous integration), characterization, and usage of various optical materials (ex. silicon, III‑V materials, thin‑film lithium niobate, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, germanium, phase‑change materials, 2‑D materials) and magnetic materials.
  • Strong theoretical background in optical communication, RF communication, quantum optics, and/or quantum computing.

The Photonic and Phononic Microsystems Department develops and matures state‑of‑the‑art photonic and phononic technologies for national security. Our interdisciplinary researchers innovate, develop, and apply novel technologies including silicon photonics, nanophotonics, optomechanics, optical metamaterials, plasmonics, optical detectors, guided‑wave optics, phononic and thermoelectric technologies. Over the last decade the department has generated numerous world‑firsts, high‑impact publications, 70+ patents, multiple R&D 100 awards, and significant DARPA/DOD/DOE funding.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under state or federal law.