Photonic Fabrication Research Scientist

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Advanced Photonic Fabrication Research Scientist. Location: Gaithersburg, MD (On-site)

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with physicists and optical engineers to develop photonic components for quantum systems
• Innovate and optimize fabrication techniques for advanced photonic devices;
• Perform hands-on fabrication of components that manipulate light across different wavelengths
• Translate technical requirements into actionable development plans;
• Conduct optical testing and metrology to validate and refine device designs
• Support process development involving deposition, lithography, etching, and structural analysis

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in nano/micro-fabrication (inclusive of Ph.D. work)
• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, or green card holder)
• Cannot be a national of the People’s Republic of China or Russia unless also a U.S. citizen (per government requirements)

Preferred:

• Expertise in metasurfaces or high-aspect-ratio photonic structures
• Hands-on experience with fabrication processes: EBL, wet/dry etching, film deposition
• Proficient in metrology tools (FIB/SEM, AFM, profilometry, ellipsometry);
• Familiarity with photonic simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, RSoft, FDTD, FEM)
• Strong coding skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar platforms;
• Experience with optical testing and working on micro-optical systems
• Excellent technical communication skills and publication record

Benefits:

• Annual salary range: $133,000 – $166,000
• Employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity participation and 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Student loan repayment benefit and 401(k) match;;
• 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave
• Paid parental leave;
• Flexible work schedule
• Employee discounts