Experimental Photonics Scientist

Experimental Photonics Scientist

We are looking for an Experimental Photonics Scientist to join The Leidos Quantum Incubator. In this role, you'll be responsible for testing and characterizing photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This is a great opportunity to apply your experience in a way that directly contributes to our quantum technologies portfolio. You will help us develop new contract and internal R&D projects by benchmarking quantum devices and building working prototypes.

You will also work closely with other quantum scientists to provide feedback that improves the design and layout of circuits for optimal testing. The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about applied research and development and has strong experimental skills. We are looking for a scientist who wants to help mature new technologies from the initial concept all the way to a working prototype.

• Collaborate with design and layout engineers to ensure PICs are compatible for testing.

• Identify key hardware needs for photonic testing and experimental demonstrations.

• Use photonic probing systems to conduct detailed testing and characterization of PICs at the component, subsystem, and system levels.

• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment and testing apparatus to ensure high-quality testing standards.

• Analyze captured data, document test results, write comprehensive reports, and present findings to internal teams.

• Continuously stay up to date with advancements in photonic technology, testing methods, and industry best practices.

• T2:
  Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related fields and 2+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

• T3:
  Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related fields and 4+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

• T4:
  Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related fields and 8+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

• Experience using photonic PIC probing hardware for basic testing, including optical coupling and alignment, insertion loss measurements, and spectral response analysis.

• Proficiency in aligning fiber arrayed probes to both edge‑coupled and grating‑coupled devices.

• Hands‑on experience with equipment such as laser sources, power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and micromanipulator stages.

• Experience developing software to control hardware for experiments, using either Python or LabVIEW.

• Skilled in handling delicate optics and photonic chips.

• Desire to work on a fast‑paced research environment.

• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain US government security clearance.

• PhD degree in physics, engineering, or other equivalent area of expertise.

• Prior experience in the design, fabrication, or characterization of hybrid nonlinear integrated photonics (such as TFLN or BTO).

• Nanophotonic design using photonic simulation tools such as FDTD, FEM, or optical mode solver (Lumerical/COMSOL/Tidy3D or similar).

• Expertise in free space optics, including the design, alignment, and testing of optical systems for quantum applications.

• A record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals or presentations at conferences with the desire to contribute to proposal writing.

• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to brief non‑technical audiences.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.