2027 Photonic Integrated Circuits Engineer

About the Role

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Photonic Integrated Circuit Engineer to perform research and development and support program needs with a focus on design, test, and measurement of PIC technology. This role is within the Electronics and Photonics Laboratory (EPL), which focuses on developing new capabilities for space systems and ensuring mission success in the space environment. The Photonics Technology Department (PTD) specifically focuses on laser-based technology research and development for space systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Ideate novel PIC devices, circuits, and/or sub-systems.
• Design, tapeout, test & measurement of novel PIC structures in commercial fabs.
• Plan and execute experiments and data analysis with a focus on characterization, performance metrics, and reliability.
• Simulate and extract useful information to understand experimental results and aid in development of novel PIC architectures.
• Propose new research and development projects and directions in the field of PICs.
• Engage with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance in design reviews, synthesizing information on current technology trends, and general subject matter expertise.
• Keep up to date with the latest literature.
• Collaborate with staff from within the department and the organization on additional projects.
• Work with management on creating and executing projects’ budgets and schedules.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.
• (Optional) Attend conferences and publish in the literature.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline (pursuing or conferred within the last 12 months).
• 0-1 year of industry work experience.
• Laboratory experience with photonic, electronic, quantum, and/or RF systems and components.
• Experience with simulation design, layout, and fabrication of integrated photonic devices and systems.
• Proficiency with simulation software such as Lumerical or equivalents.
• Proficiency with layout software such as KLayout, Spark Photonics, GDSfactory or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to use foundry PDKs to design and manufacture integrated photonics is strongly required.
• Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages is required.
• 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.
• Willing to travel occasionally to work locations or customer sites (approximately 10%), as required.
• Ability to efficiently incorporate Claude Code in daily work flow for instrument control, data analytics, and other tasks.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications (Desired)

• Knowledge of a variety of material platforms used in integrated photonics such as silicon, lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, indium phosphide is desired.
• Active security clearance.
• Knowledge of RF photonics and its applications.
• Knowledge of high frequency opto-electrical test and measurement with a VNA.
• Knowledge of photonic device fabrication and heterogeneous integration across material platforms.
• Experience with component or system-level photonics simulation packages such as Ansys Lumerical and/or VPI Photonics.
• Publications in the field of integrated photonics is strongly preferred.
• Experience giving short and concise technical presentations at conferences or large internal meetings.