Quantum Optics Research Physicist​/Electrical Engineer

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting applications until 11:45 PM EST, 1 February 2027.

The Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (RF), Information Systems Division (RFC), seeks to hire a mid-level, DR-02 (GS-12/13 or equivalent) Research Physicist or Electrical Engineer for the AFRL Quantum Photonics Team located in Rome, New York. The incumbent will bridge the gap between theoretical device design and physical realization.

• Lead the end-to-end design, simulation, and optimization of active and passive integrated photonic components and circuits using industry-standard computational modeling and simulation suites.
• Develop and verify physical mask layouts for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), ensuring full compliance with established design rules and manufacturing constraints.
• Collaborate closely with external semiconductor foundries and cleanroom facilities on process development, novel material integration, and the creation of custom Process Design Kits (PDKs).
• Design, assemble, and align advanced optical testbeds utilizing both free-space and fiber-to-chip coupling techniques for device characterization.
• Conduct rigorous experimental testing to evaluate and validate classical and quantum performance metrics, employing advanced optical and quantum measurement techniques.
• Develop automated data acquisition scripts and analyze complex experimental datasets to drive iterative improvements back into the device design and fabrication cycle.

• US Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance as a condition of employment.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Applicants must be able to meet the OPM Qualification Standards of the position being filled.
• S&E candidates must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an ABET accredited academic institution.

• Degree must be in physics or a related degree that includes at least 24 semester hours in physics.
• Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In either A or B above, the courses must include a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution.
• Must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the DR-01/GS-11 (or equivalent pay system).
• This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification in the Engineering & Technical Management stall. Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on their resume. The selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.

• Education:
  
  Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field, with hands-on experimental research experience in quantum optics or integrated photonics.
• Computational Design & Simulation:
  Demonstrated expertise in photonic simulation tools, with strong proficiency in Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, or similar software for electromagnetic and thermal modeling of photonic chips.
• Layout & Mask Generation:
  Proven experience using…