Optical Materials Scientist

Description

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable optical metasurfaces designed to enable multi- and hyper-spectral sensing on next-generation space missions.

Our Space Business Area is actively transforming space payload solutions through customer-funded programs and high-impact internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. If you are passionate about enabling groundbreaking capabilities in space-based sensing and working at the intersection of optical simulation, nanofabrication, and laboratory experimentation, we want you on our team.

• Design & Modeling:
  Lead full-wave electromagnetic modeling to identify, optimize, and evaluate tunable infrared metasurface filters based on phase change materials.
• Performance Simulation:
  Architect advanced models to analyze the specific impact of tunable filters on the overall performance of infrared sensor systems.
• Fabrication Planning:
  Research, identify, and establish viable methods to successfully fabricate optimized optical designs.
• Experimental Validation:
  Create and execute comprehensive laboratory characterization plans to validate modeled performance against real-world data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to evaluate, test, and mature emerging optical technologies.
• Data Analysis & Documentation:
  Analyze experimental data to inform ongoing design decisions and document technical results to support IR&D and formal program milestones.

• Education:
  
  BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS degree with 6+ years of prior relevant. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Security Clearance: US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Core
  
  Experience:
  
  Demonstrated research or development experience specifically in optical and infrared materials.
• Software Proficiency:
  Hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic modeling software (e.g., Ansys HFSS, COMSOL, or Lumerical).
• Technical Knowledge:
  Deep familiarity with the infrared/optical properties of materials (including phase change materials), metamaterials, and metasurfaces.
• Sensor Technology:
  Foundational familiarity or experience with infrared detector technology.
• Optimization
  
  Skills:
  
  Experience utilizing optimization methods, including adjoint gradient descent and topology optimization.
• Professional
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong analytical problem-solving skills, sharp attention to detail, and effective written/verbal communication skills.

• Active Clearance:
  Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Cleanroom
  
  Experience:
  
  Hands-on experience with cleanroom environments and nanofabrication techniques (e.g., electron-beam lithography, photolithography, etching).
• Spaceflight Hardware:
  Prior exposure to designing optical components intended for space environments or satellite payloads.
• Programming:
  Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for automated data collection or custom optical modeling scripts.
• Publication Record:
  Record of research contributions demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, or development of relevant optical technologies.

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