Description:
Conducts research and plans development and design of gas and solid-state lasers, masers, infrared, and other light emitting and light sensitive devices. Designs electronic circuitry and optical components with specific characteristics to fit within specified mechanical limits and to perform according to specifications. May conduct application analysis to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, or other use for electro-optical devices.
Background Need:
The Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments. Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems; robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities. Examples of near-term field tests include the O2O laser communications system supporting communications to the Artemis II mission, terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next-generation beam-director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep-space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Understanding of fiber-optic and electro-optic components and systems
- Experience with electro-optical test instrumentation
- Experience developing Gbps-class optical transceivers and automated test systems
- Experience testing optical communications systems and interpreting test results
- Knowledge of MATLAB and LabVIEW for test set development, automation, and data analysis
- Hands-on operation, troubleshooting, and repair of subsystems
- Prototyping and evaluation of hardware components
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Python programming in Linux environment
- Experience with quantum devices and systems including entanglement sources, squeezed light sources, and quantum memories
- Directly related electro-optical experience
- Ability to implement and operate communication testbed hardware based on high-level specifications
- Effective communication with team members
- Experience developing hardware in research environment and transitioning to manufacturing
EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:
- MS degree and at least 8 years' experience required
Others:
- Clearance: An interim clearance is sufficient for the start of this position.
- Work Location: This position will be 100% onsite due to the nature of the work. There may be some remote flexibility on a case-by-case basis but there are no regular remote days.
- Interview process: 1st round interview will be a Zoom with the hiring manager. 2nd round interview will be a Zoom with additional team members as needed.
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