Quantum Physicist, Integrated Photonics

Quantum Communications Systems Scientist

HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real-world application.

For more than 70 years, HRL's rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories advances critical structural and functional materials and semiconductor devices that enable precision navigation, quantum technologies and extreme-environment performance. With expertise from design through deployment, we deliver scalable, high-performance solutions that transform our customers' missions. Our work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques to meet tomorrow's toughest challenges.

Position Summary:

• Design, build, test, and analyze optical, optoelectronic, and photonic experiments for quantum communications systems and platforms

• Develop and evaluate experimental approaches involving integrated photonics, quantum optics, and related technologies

• Translate theoretical concepts and research findings into practical experimental implementations and prototypes

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary R&D teams to advance quantum communications technologies

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, calculate, construct, and test integrated photonics and electro-optical experiments and prototypes

• Develop experimental setups, methodologies, and prototypes to investigate and validate new concepts and technologies

• Perform data collection, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of experimental results

• Troubleshoot experimental systems and identify innovative solutions to technical challenges

• Present research findings, experimental results, and technical recommendations to team members and other stakeholders

• Prepare technical documentation, including invention disclosures and research reports

• Contribute to the development of technical and research proposals

• Author and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed scientific and technical journals

• Attend and present research at scientific and technical conferences

• Brief internal and external customers on technical developments, experimental results, and project progress

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, and other technical personnel across multiple disciplines

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Research experience in one or more of the following areas:
Integrated photonics Quantum optics Quantum networking Nonlinear optics

Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions by applying research results and technical knowledge from a broad range of sources.

Experience with multiphysics simulation at both the device and optical-system levels.

Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) and photonic/electronic layout is a plus.

Demonstrated laboratory expertise and a strong track record of independently troubleshooting and solving complex experimental problems in multiple areas, including:
Free-space optics Fiber optics Integrated photonics Microwave systems engineering Custom electronics design Vacuum equipment and hardware

Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Quantum optics Quantum entanglement Integrated photonics Quantum networking

Experience using Lumerical and other relevant simulation, modeling, and design software.

Strong record of publications in top-tier, peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Demonstrated ability to translate research concepts into practical experimental systems, prototypes, and solutions.

Strong desire and ability to learn new technologies and methodologies.

Flexibility to transition quickly between projects, priorities, and technical challenges.

Strong…