Materials Research Scientist​/Engineer

Materials Research Scientist/Engineer

The Optical Materials group is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Research Scientist/Engineer to join our team at SRI International's Menlo Park, California headquarters. You will have the opportunity to make important contributions to on-going and future R&D programs in nanophotonic inverse design, metasurfaces, quantum optics, and more.

SRI International is an independent nonprofit research organization with a mission to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier, and more productive. From the computer mouse to robotic surgery, cancer treatments, and more, SRI's 75 years of innovation have created new industries, billions of dollars in market value, and lasting benefits to society. SRI was instrumental in the creation of the internet, high-definition television, and the U.S

Postal Service's automated letter sorting system. Some of its many successful spinout companies include E-Trade, Siri, Symantec, Intuitive Surgical, and Nuance.

The Optical Materials group is part of the Space & Survivability Lab within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division  lab is home to several collaborative groups that perform research and development in a variety of areas, including optical materials, advanced sensing systems, nanofabrication, energetic materials, radar systems, and atmospheric science. By and large, our lab is focused on applying academic research to address DoD applications.

• Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices
• Apply your scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas
• Conduct business development and contribute to white papers and proposals
• Provide technical briefings and reports and support client engagement
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary staff

This is a junior PI-track (principal investigator) opportunity to be mentored to become a PI for new research thrusts; based on your own ideas and direct interactions with customers, both in and outside your area of academic expertise.

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with commercial full-wave electromagnetic modeling software, such as Ansys HFSS or COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Familiarity with inverse design and/or machine learning is a plus.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance required. Current clearance is a plus.
• Limited travel required.

The salary range is: $115,710-$172,115. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package.