Integrated Photonics Researcher

Job Overview

This job announcement is accepting candidate submissions until 1700 EST on 16 August 24. The position is open to all U.S. citizens. The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate seeks to hire a motivated and experienced Scientist or Engineer to innovate in integrated photonic research and development in the Electronic Materials Branch of the Photonic, Electronic, and Soft Materials Division, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and execute research in the field of integrated photonics, focusing on modeling and microfabrication of integrated photonics especially involving heterogeneous integration of novel materials. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in photonic integrated circuits, with applications ranging from quantum photonics, radio-frequency photonics, and active/passive materials integration for quantum sensing, metrology, and LIDAR.
• Plans and oversees basic-to-applied research in the discovery and development of new optical materials and advances the integration of photonic components with DAF systems across a variety of spectral regions with varying requirements. Investigating the integration of novel materials into traditional silicon photonic foundry processes and developing scalable manufacturing schemes for DoD applications.
• Works in a multidisciplinary team and collaborative environment to plan and coordinate with the team to balance maintenance of core competency with transition opportunities.
• Builds relationships with external customers and identifies technology gaps utilizing a broad range of material and manufacturing solutions which augment performance capabilities and/or reduce system size, weight, and power.
• Plans and oversees execution of research and development funding.
• Mentors are team members of various experience levels.

This position will be filled at the DR-02 (GS-13) or DR-3 (GS-14 equivalent) and is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This position may be filled as a 5-year Modified Term Appointment (new government hires, current government term employees, etc.) with the option to later extend or convert to a permanent appointment.

NOTE: Must use MM/DD/YYYY date format for experience entries on resume.

For resume writing tips, facts about the federal hiring process and additional resources, visit: https://www.usafjobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

At a minium, unofficial transcript of highest relevant degree must be uploaded with application.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for telework opportunities; as determined by agency policy
Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.
Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship
• Possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree, in a relevant technical field, from an accredited (or ABET accredited for engineering) academic institution.
• Must either hold or be able to obtain a Secret Clearance
• This is an Acquisition Processional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) certification in the Engineering and Technical Management stall.
• Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on resume. Selectee will have 5 years to meet the APDP certification requirements of the position.
• Applicant must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, or equivalent, in other pay systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (Science or Engineering) from an accredited academic university.
• Experience in device modeling is needed to include finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling of photonic devices using software tools such as Lumerical and/or Consol for device simulations for multiple research efforts.
• Applicant should be able to apply inverse-design techniques and machine learning algorithms to optimize photonic structures.
• Experience in fabrication and be able to collaborate with microfabrication experts to design and fabricate photonic devices. Familiarity with electron-beam lithography, photolithography, wet and dry-etch, wafer bonding, and Van der Waals bonded materials is desired.
• Candidate should be familiar with multi-project wafer runs and process design kits, or equivalent, for optical component design.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee a multidisciplinary team that includes research areas spanning across optical materials.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated thought leader with experience building collaboration in the area of integrated photonic materials.

Additional Information

When uploading documents, please utilize the naming convention listed below. The Requisition Number for this announcement is 11696.

• Resume: Req No_Last Name _First Name_Resume
• Transcripts: Req No_Last Name_First Name_Transcript
• Latest SF50: Req No_Last Name_First Name_SF50

Acceptable file types: .docx, .pdf

(Req No. 11696)

Series

0801

0806

0855

1301

1310

1320

Other