Sr. Photonics Research Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 7, 2026.
Overview
SRI's Applied Physics Laboratory, in Boulder, CO, has an opportunity for a Sr Photonics Research Engineer with experience as a technical leader in photonic integrated circuits to execute on a variety of projects ranging from optical phased arrays to microwave photonic systems. SRI specializes in developing and transitioning technology from basic research and development (R&D) to fieldable prototypes for both US government and commercial customers. Our Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD) performs research spanning advanced signal processing, robotics, quantum physics, and ocean modeling. This position is on-site in Boulder, CO.
Responsibilities
A successful candidate will contribute to ongoing and future programs with emphasis in optical communications, signal processing, and sensing, to apply their experience as a principal investigator and their advanced knowledge and skills in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to microwave photonics and/or optical phased arrays. They will work with small to medium sized research teams comprised of multidisciplinary, subject matter expert (SME) engineering professionals with expertise ranging from PICs, stabilized lasers, optical communications, and RF signal processing to quantum sensing, applied mathematics and computer science. Their contributions will range from technical tasks to leadership roles, such as being a principal investigator for future programs and proposal opportunities.
- Technical contributions will primarily include system development and testing, fundamental and engineering calculations, simulation and modeling, and other laboratory R&D tasks.
- Management-level tasks include leading tasks, leading future proposal opportunities, and communicating with clients and SRI senior management.
Qualifications
- PhD in electrical engineering, optics, physics or related technical discipline
- 4+ years related experience that may include industry experience
- U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance due to government contract requirements
- Experience leading technical projects as a principal investigator
- Experience leading proposal efforts for US Government funding
- Demonstrated ability to develop new business with potential customers and familiarity with proposal writing
- Leading technical presentations and demonstrations
- Experience simulating and testing PICs, analyzing data, and/or PIC component layout
- Experience in applying PIC systems to application areas such as optical phased arrays, microwave photonics, optical communication, and/or quantum sensing
- Proficient in scientific programming e.g., Python, MATLAB, and/or other similar scripting languages
- Familiarity with process design kits (PDKs) from foundries such as AIM Photonics, Applied Nanotools, and Tower Semiconductor
- Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and managing time while working on multiple projects
Desired:
- Active DoD Secret clearance
- Familiarity with automated testing and data collection
- Familiarity with feedback control and stabilization of photonic systems comprised of components such as interferometers, filters, and lasers
- The following experience:
- Working with and submitting designs to multi-project wafer runs at PIC foundries
- Simulating photonic devices in FDTD using Tidy3D, Lumerical, or similar tools
- With scripted-based layout of photonic components and systems using GDSFactory, Nazca, IPKISS, or similar
- With precision measurement and/or metrology
The salary range is: $117,684-$175,054. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.