Experimental Photonics Scientist

Do you have experience with modeling and mask layout of PICs?

Have you used physics-based modeling to optimize the design of custom PIC components?

Do you have experience with fabless manufacturing of PICs through multi-project wafer runs at commercial foundries? Have you performed end-of-the-line testing of PICs for performance validation?

Do you have experience with integration of novel materials into PICs? 

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! As an Experimental Photonics Scientist, you will join a team of computational and experimental physicists and engineers who are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future of integrated photonics.

The Research and Exploratory Development (RED) Mission Area is Johns Hopkins APL’s research engine. We conduct pioneering research targeting game-changing break throughs to benefit national security missions. Our team is committed to scientific excellence and continuous improvement in an agile environment. We are engaged in research to overcome technology gaps that limit the use of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and associated microelectronic systems in applications like biomedical sensing, microwave photonics, artificial intelligence, and quantum information. Our approach leverages commercial photonics foundries, which we pair with novel materials integration, additive manufacturing, advanced design concepts, and environmentally-rugged packaging, to realize solutions that can transition into the field.

As an Experimental Photonics Scientist, you will:

• Use computational approaches to optimize the design of custom PIC components
• Leverage software tools to layout PICs for quick-turn manufacturing at a variety of MPW foundries
• Develop and maintain APL’s internal component/sub-system library for fabless PIC manufacturing
• Work with materials scientist and additive manufacturing engineers to augment PICs with novel materials
• Conduct benchtop validation testing of PICs
• Conduct validation testing of micro-photonic systems for qualified flight/space-flight operation
• Develop independent research and development concepts and present/publish results in an effective and timely fashion.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Master’s degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering.
• Have 1+ year experience building integrated, fiber-optical and free-space photonics systems
• Have working experience with scientific programming tools like MATLAB and Python to analyze the propagation of light in photonics systems
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a Ph.D. in a field related to integrated photonics
• Have experience in physics-based modeling of photonic components using tools from COMSOL, MEEP/MBP, Tidy3D, Ansys Lumerical, etc.
• Have a consistent record of layout of photonic integrated circuits using script-based layout tools (GDSfactory, OptoDesigner, Nazca, etc.)
• Have experience with programming embedded microcontrollers

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected]. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.