IC 2026 Photonic Technologies Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Internship conversion position for thePhotonics Technology Department.The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll Be Doing

• Analyzing novel photonic solutions for space systems using laboratory and/or computational methods. Topics of interest include optical communications, RF photonics, integrated photonics, and quantum photonics
• Simulating, designing, and manufacturing (leveraging foundries and in-house capabilities) photonic integrated circuit systems-on-chip for RF photonic and quantum applications
• Developing characterization methods and performance models for emerging photonic devices and systems such as electro-optic modulators, quantum sources and detectors, and free-space optical communications
• Delivering results on performance and reliability of state-of-the-art photonic devices
• Impactfully engaging with space programs, customers, and external collaborators by providing technical guidance on emerging photonic systems and devices
• Fostering innovation by proposing new research and development projects and directions

WhatCorporateSkillsYou'll Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline(pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 year of industry work experience
• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation
• 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, including simulation software such as Lumerical, OptSim, ComSol, or equivalents and layout software such as KLayout
• Data analytics skills in Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or related languages.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Active security clearance
• 0-4 years of lab experience with photonic technologies or related subjects
• Experience writing research proposals for external funding
• Experience with system-level photonics simulation packages such as VPI Photonics or Lumerical Interconnect
• Knowledge of photonic device fabrication and heterogeneous integration across material platforms such as silicon, InP, and lithium niobate

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.