RF Photonics Engineer
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.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
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Job Summary
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse 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 Photonics Technology Department is hiring an RF Photonics Engineer. 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. This full-time position will be a hybrid work model with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here:
Aerospace Virtual Tours
What You'll Be Doing
As part of the Photonics Technology Department, you will conduct research, development, and analysis, with a focus on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to help shape the future of PIC technology for space.
Job duties include:
- Creating and implementing novel integrated RF photonic and photonic-electronic systems with a focus on optical communications applications
- Developing laboratory breadboard implementations of heterogeneous RF photonic systems
- Implementing photonic systems on chip, including photonic integrated circuits, involving simulation, design, and manufacture
- Developing characterization methodologies, figures of merit, and performance models for novel RF photonic systems
- Reliability and life testing of integrated photonic devices
- Working with internal teams and external organizations to create novel photonic integrated circuits for space applications
- Providing technical guidance on photonic systems and photonic integrated circuits to a wide range of space programs and customers
- Proposing new research and development projects
This position is available as a Research Engineer or Senior Engineer
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Research Engineer
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required
- Typically, 8 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
- Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, and/or RF systems and components
- Experience with simulation design, layout, and fabrication of integrated photonic devices and systems, including simulation software such as Lumerical, OptSim, ComSol, or equivalents and layout software such as KLayout or LayoutEditor
- Knowledge of materials platforms used in photonic devices, such as silicon and indium phosphide
- Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages
- Ability to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams
- Experience writing research and development proposals, such as SBIR
- Willingness to occasionally travel domestically or internationally to support customer needs, approximately ~5% (as required)
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Engineer
Same requirements as a Research Engineer, in addition to:
- Typically, 12 years of applicable professional or educational experience is required
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Research Engineer or Senior Engineer
- PhD degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is highly desirable
- 12+ years of experience with PICs, integrated photonics, and/or RF photonic systems is preferred
- Experience sending photonic integrated circuit designs through commercial foundry processes
- Strong knowledge of state-of-the-art foundry processes for photonic devices across multiple material platforms
- Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.