Quantum Photonics Research Scientist - Engineer II

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL) focuses on areas of electronics and photonics directed towards development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver 100% mission success in the rigors of the space environment. Within EPL, The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) focuses on laser-based technology research and development for space systems, with efforts in integrated photonics, quantum photonics, microwave photonics, LiDAR, atomic clocks, and others.

The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) is hiring a Quantum Photonics Scientist - Engineer II (Research Scientist – Optical and Photonic Systems) to perform research and development and support program needs with a focus on existing and emerging quantum photonics such as quantum sensing, quantum enhanced sensing, and squeezed light. The candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding in this field with relevant work experience (either in previous employment and/or during their PhD studies).

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan and execute experiments and data analysis with various quantum phenomena
• Simulate and extract useful information to understand experimental results and aid experimental processes
• Foster innovation by proposing new research and development projects and directions in the field of quantum technology
• Engage with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance on emerging quantum-based technologies
• Deliver results on performance and reliability of state-of-the-art quantum methods.
• Keep up to date with the latest literature
• Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization at large on additional projects
• Work with management on creating and executing projects’ budgets and schedules
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment on multiple projects
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to effectively convey technical information via oral and written forms
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline is required
• A minimum of (8) years of applicable professional, industry, or academic experience post-bachelor's degree with quantum technologies or related subjects is required
• Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components
• Experience with simulation design of quantum technologies
• Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages is required
• Knowledge of different types of quantum devices, sensors, and/or systems is required
• Experience with nonlinear optics
• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), as required
• Ability to efficiently incorporate Claude Code in their daily work flow for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks.
• This position requires an active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Experience writing research proposals for external funding is strongly preferred
• Computational skills to support new model development for quantum effects
• Experience with component or system-level photonics simulation packages such as Ansys Lumerical
• Publications in the field of quantum technology such as quantum sensing, quantum-enhanced sensing, and/or squeezed light is strongly preferred
• Experience giving short and concise technical presentations at conferences and/or large internal meetings

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change  
• Engage with Impact  
• Foster Innovation  
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

About Us

Right Place

The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nation’s toughest space enterprise challenges.

Right Path

Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and that’s why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development.

Right Purpose

We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industry’s most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it.

Return to the Aerospace Careers site.

Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.