Photonics Research Engineer III

SRI International•Boulder, CO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

SRI's Applied Physics Laboratory, in Boulder, CO, has an opportunity for a Photonics Research Engineer with experience in photonic integrated circuits to execute on a variety of projects ranging from optical phased arrays to microwave photonic systems. SRI specializes in developing and transitioning technology from basic research and development (R&D) to fieldable prototypes for both US government and commercial customers. Our Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD) performs research spanning advanced signal processing, robotics, quantum physics, and ocean modeling. This position is on-site in Boulder, CO. A successful candidate will contribute to ongoing and future programs with emphasis in optical communications, signal processing, and sensing, to apply their advanced knowledge and skills in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to microwave photonics and/or optical phased arrays. They will work with small to medium sized research teams comprised of multidisciplinary, subject matter expert (SME) engineering professionals with expertise ranging from PICs, stabilized lasers, optical communications, and RF signal processing to quantum sensing, applied mathematics and computer science. Their contributions will range from technical to management level tasks. Technical contributions will primarily include system development and testing, fundamental and engineering calculations, simulation and modeling, and other laboratory R&D tasks. Management-level tasks include helping project managers manage technical aspects of programs, leading tasks, assessing program performance, and communicating with clients and SRI senior management.

Requirements

PhD in electrical engineering, optics, physics or related technical discipline
PhD thesis or work experience ideally would substantially include photonic integrated circuits (PIC), development from modeling and simulation to layout and characterization and test
U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance due to government contract requirements
Experience simulating and testing PICs, analyzing data, and/or PIC component layout
Experience in applying PIC systems to application areas such as optical phased arrays, microwave photonics, optical communication, and/or quantum sensing
Proficient in scientific programming e.g., Python, MATLAB, and/or other similar scripting languages
Familiarity with process design kits (PDKs) from foundries such as AIM Photonics, Applied Nanotools, and Tower Semiconductor
Prior experience working on Government-funded R&D programs
Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and managing time while working on multiple projects

Nice To Haves

Active DoD Secret clearance
Familiarity with automated testing and data collection
Familiarity with feedback control and stabilization of photonic systems comprised of components such as interferometers, filters, and lasers
Demonstrated ability to develop new business with potential customers and familiarity with proposal writing
Working with and submitting designs to multi-project wafer runs at PIC foundries
Simulating photonic devices in FDTD using Tidy3D, Lumerical, or similar tools
With scripted-based layout of photonic components and systems using GDSFactory, Nazca, IPKISS, or similar
Designing electro-optic PIC devices in silicon and/or thin-film lithium niobate
With precision measurement and/or metrology
Leading technical presentations and demonstrations
Experience with classified research

Responsibilities

System development and testing
Fundamental and engineering calculations
Simulation and modeling
Laboratory R&D tasks
Helping project managers manage technical aspects of programs
Leading tasks
Assessing program performance
Communicating with clients and SRI senior management

Benefits

Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program.
SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/.

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