Applied Physicist-EOSL-Open Rank

About the Role

The Photonics and Microelectronics Division (PMD) in the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL) of GTRI is searching for an entry-level Applied Physicist to work on multiple projects within the Division. This role involves conducting laboratory experiments, modeling experimental data, and building hardware. PMD performs advanced research and development in areas including:

• Development and packaging of photonic / RF / fiber optic subsystems
• Photonic integrated circuits
• RF/millimeter-wave devices
• Advanced materials and components
• Spacecraft hardware

Key Responsibilities

• Perform basic tests, experiments, calculations, and/or simulations to determine physical parameters/properties and behaviors of materials and systems.
• Conduct basic data analysis on the results of measurements and/or simulations.
• Perform literature surveys on research topics.
• Generate documentation of experiments and results.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct benchtop experiments in the optics laboratory using free-space & fiber optics, lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and common integrated circuits.
• Build and characterize RF subsystems with discrete components, common ICs, and apertures.
• Integrate GTRI custom sensors and subsystems into UAS, pods, and aircraft.
• Integrate off-the-shelf devices such as radars, communications systems, lidas, lasers, and sensors into functional systems and onto platforms.
• Design custom electronic circuits and circuit boards for project needs.
• Assemble and test hardware for cubesats, including vacuum and cryogenic systems.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2027.
• B.S. degree in applied physics, electrical engineering, physics, microelectronics, or optical sciences.
• Programming skills in MATLAB or Python.
• Skills in automation, interfacing computers with instruments and sensors for control / data collection.
• Laboratory and computer skills as demonstrated in independent undergrad projects, graduate thesis research, or laboratory internships.
• Enjoyment of careful, hands-on lab work.
• Experience performing basic electrical, RF, and optical tests using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, signal generators & analyzers.
• Familiarity with semiconductor devices, theory of operation, and applications.
• Familiarity with principles of operation and understanding of specifications for common electronic and optical devices such as radar, lidar, radio & fiber optic comms links, or lasers.
• Ability to design custom electronic circuits and circuit boards to meet project needs, with advice and supervision.
• Strong sense of curiosity in both the technical and non-technical aspects of working in applied research.
• Broad interests and flexibility to contribute to different types of projects and assignments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required due to research contracts with the U.S. federal government.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance.
• Ability to design custom electronic circuits and circuit boards to meet project needs, working independently.
• Demonstrated design skills in optical and RF systems, and digital or analog electronics, from course work and project experience.
• Expertise and experience with acoustic sensing using fiber optics.
• Experience and expertise in direct detection and coherent optical communications.
• Detailed knowledge and experience with one or more common electronic and optical devices such as radar, lidar, radio & fiber optic comms links, lasers, CCDs, imagers, focal plane arrays.
• Understanding of radiation effects on electronics and photonics.
• Strong knowledge of radio frequency engineering, circuit concepts, microfabrication techniques, or device physics.
• Experience building subsystems with analog RF ICs, digital ICs, and/or photonic ICs.
• Working knowledge of microcontrollers & FPGAs and their integration into subsystems.
• Characterization and test of bare die in a probe station, load pull measurements.
• Basic mechanical engineering or materials science courses.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience.

Travel Requirements

• <10% travel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.