Integrated Photonics Engineer I

Position: Integrated Photonics Engineer

I

Position Details

Location (Non-Negotiable):

This is an on-site, full-time exempt, entry-level role based in Rome, NY, with work performed at AFRL and the Innovare Advancement Center at the Rome Griffiss Institute campus, working under the guidance of more senior engineers.

Candidates must be located, or re-locate, within a commutable distance to Rome, NY by their agreed upon start date.

Due to the clearance required for this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply; as outlined in Executive Order 12968: Access to Classified Information, eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted to employees who are United States citizens.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities and Duties

• The Integrated Photonics Engineer I supports research conducted by the Technergetics Quantum Team, assisting with the development and characterization of photonic systems for heterogeneous quantum networks, optical sensing and communication, and the enhancement of quantum systems through novel technologies:
• Assist with independent and team-based research to develop and advance key components of a wide-area, heterogeneous quantum network, under the guidance of senior engineers
• Assist with the design, simulation, and optimization of integrated photonic devices and circuits tailored for quantum information processing, sensing, and communication applications
• Support senior engineers in designing photonic circuits that support quantum algorithms and protocols
• Assist with the integration of photonics with light sources, detectors, and control systems
• Support system-level design and optimization tasks for data transfer, processing, and quantum entanglement in integrated photonics setups
• Observe and assist with the tape-out process for integrated photonic circuits under the direction of more senior engineers and fabrication teams
• Participate in the design and testing of integrated photonic devices, learning to use photonic simulation software (e.g., Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL, or similar)
• Learn and begin using layout software (e.g., GDSFactory, KLayout, or similar) to support the design of integrated photonic circuits
• Develop foundational expertise in integrated photonics and quantum technologies through hands-on work and mentorship
• Education and Certifications: This project requires at minimum a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in physics, applied physics, or closely related technical field.
• Required Qualifications: 1 year of professional or research experience; relevant internship, thesis, or coursework-based project experience is welcomed in place of professional experience
• Basic familiarity with photonic device design concepts, gained through coursework, research, or lab experience
• Willingness to learn photonic device design software (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, ADS, or equivalent) on the job
• Foundational knowledge of quantum optics and quantum information science, gained through academic coursework
• Strong attention to detail and eagerness to learn integrated photonics fabrication and testing concepts
• Desired Qualifications: Exposure to integrated photonics fabrication concepts through academic or internship project experience
• Familiarity with optical testing and characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy, or interferometry)
• Coursework or project experience touching quantum algorithms, quantum computing, or quantum communication
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a collaborative, mentorship-driven team environment
• Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a background check and security investigation and must meet and maintain eligibility requirements for, at minimum, Secret access to classified information.
• Travel: This position is not expected to require travel.