Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Join us and take your place in space.

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.

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.

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.

The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is hiring a Quantum Photonics Scientist
- Engineer I (Sr. Member of Technical Staff – Optical and Photonic Systems) to perform research and development and support program needs with a focus on existing and emerging quantum photonics such as quantum sensing, quantum enhanced sensing, and squeezed light. The candidate must demonstrate a understanding in this field with relevant work experience (either in previous employment and/or during their PhD studies).

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

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan and execute experiments and data analysis with various quantum phenomena
• Simulate and extract useful information to understand experimental results and aid experimental processes
• Foster innovation by proposing new research and development projects and directions in the field of quantum photonics
• Engage with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance on emerging quantum-based technologies
• Deliver results on performance and reliability of state-of-the‑art quantum methods.
• Keep up to date with the latest literature
• Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization at large on additional projects
• Work with management on creating and executing projects’ budgets and schedules
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to effectively convey technical information via oral and written forms
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided

What You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and…