2025 PhD Graduate - Photonics

Are you passionate about the future of photonics?

Have you designed or tested photonic integrated circuits (PICs)? Have you used physics-based modeling to optimize the design of PIC devices? Have you introduced novel materials to PICs to enable new capabilities?

Have you fabricated PICs, either at an academic facility or through a commercial foundry?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

The Research & Exploratory Development Physics Group is seeking outstanding staff members to join our growing, multidisciplinary team of theorists and experimentalists to solve mission-relevant challenges. Join us in providing creative solutions to complex and unusual technical problems while contributing to a highly-collaborative team environment and learning from some of the top experts in their fields!

You meet our minimum qualifications if you...

• Possess a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Have a strong desire to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, applied science environment.
• Have 1 years experience building integrated or fiber-optical or free-space photonics systems.
• Have working experience with scientific programming tools like MATLAB and Python to analyze propagation of light in photonics systems.
• Are willing to occasionally travel to sponsor sites, conferences and workshops.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI w/ Polygraph security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and need to meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD related to integrated photonics.
• Have experience in physics-based modeling of photonic components using tools like Tidy3D, COMSOL, Lumerical, etc.
• Have experience with layout of PICs using script-based layout tools like GDSFactory, Nazca, etc.
• Have data analysis, physics simulation, or other coding experience.
• Have experience working in a laboratory setting and performing research involving electronics, lasers, cryogenics, RF devices, quantum information, microelectronics, fiber optics, or materials science.
• Have an active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph security clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000