Research Scientist Photonics

Albuquerque, NM - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 90000 - 174000

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job ID: 6328
Date Posted: February 5 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Research Scientist with a specialization in photonics to join our Strategic & Military Space (SMS) a member of SDLs embedded science team you will work alongside leading SDL and AFRL scientists and engineers to advance cutting-edge quantum sensing and timing technologies with direct impact on national security in the space domain.
This is an embedded research position supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Albuquerque NM. The selected candidate will contribute pioneering work in integrated photonics lasers and electro-optics microwave photonics optical communications and time/frequency metrology.

Position Location: Albuquerque NM

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our Nations defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Leads experimental research in integrated photonic systems
Designs builds and transitions laboratory experiments into fieldable prototypes
Presents findings through peer-reviewed publications and national/international conferences
Mentors junior scientists and contributes to shaping future research directions

Required Qualifications:

Must have a degree in electrical-engineering optics physics or a closely related field
Must have at least 3 years of hands-on laboratoryresearch experience in photonics integrated photonics lasers and electro-optics quantum physics or optics
MS in related field with 3-8 years of experience OR PhD in related field with 0-4 years of relevant experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to present challenging scientific topics clearly and the ability to create well-written papers and technical reports with little or no oversight
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in diverse interdisciplinary teams
Strong problem-solving skills with a creative curious and detail-oriented approach
Ability to adapt to new projects and technical areas depending on customer needs
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with design and fabrication and/or test of integrated photonic circuits

Experience in numerical modeling/simulation with tools such as Lumerical COMSOL GDS Factory KLayout Synopsys OptoCompiler or other photonic tape-out/design tools
Electronic design: FPGA hardware development analog/digital circuit design PCB design microcontrollers
Experience with experiment control and automation
Programming experience (e.g. Python MATLAB Julia C/C#/C)
Comfort with a Linux-based computing environment

Salary Range
$90000 - $174500
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role level location market conditions and individual qualifications including job-related skills experience and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidates preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL
SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL supports a variety of missions including NASAs vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defenses aim to protect our Nation on the ground in the air and in space. Our sensors satellites software systems and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions youve heard of and others that you havent. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL we uphold a culture of respect collaboration empowerment and accountability. We listen with open minds seek to understand diverse perspectives and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge involving others and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership act with integrity and be accountable. Above all we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

For questions assistance or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program please contact

Required Experience:

Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Leads experimental research in integrated photonic systems
Designs builds and transitions laboratory experiments into fieldable prototypes
Presents findings through peer-reviewed publications and national/international conferences
Mentors junior scientists and contributes to shaping future research directions

Required Qualifications:

Must have a degree in electrical-engineering optics physics or a closely related field
Must have at least 3 years of hands-on laboratoryresearch experience in photonics integrated photonics lasers and electro-optics quantum physics or optics
MS in related field with 3-8 years of experience OR PhD in related field with 0-4 years of relevant experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to present challenging scientific topics clearly and the ability to create well-written papers and technical reports with little or no oversight
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in diverse interdisciplinary teams
Strong problem-solving skills with a creative curious and detail-oriented approach
Ability to adapt to new projects and technical areas depending on customer needs
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with design and fabrication and/or test of integrated photonic circuits

Experience in numerical modeling/simulation with tools such as Lumerical COMSOL GDS Factory KLayout Synopsys OptoCompiler or other photonic tape-out/design tools
Electronic design: FPGA hardware development analog/digital circuit design PCB design microcontrollers
Experience with experiment control and automation
Programming experience (e.g. Python MATLAB Julia C/C#/C)
Comfort with a Linux-based computing environment