What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist Photonics position at Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory?
Job ID: 6328
Date Posted: February 5, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Research Scientist with a specialization in photonics to join our Strategic & Military Space (SMS) division.As a member of SDL's embedded science team, you will work alongside leading SDL and AFRL scientists and engineers to advance cutting-edge quantum sensing and timing technologies with direct impact on national security in the space domain.
This is an embedded research position supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Albuquerque, NM. The selected candidate will contribute pioneering work in integrated photonics, lasers and electro-optics, microwave photonics, optical communications and time/frequency metrology.
The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our Nation's defense capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leads experimental research in integrated photonic systems
- Designs, builds, and transitions laboratory experiments into fieldable prototypes
- Presents findings through peer-reviewed publications and national/international conferences
- Mentors junior scientists and contributes to shaping future research directions
Required Qualifications:
- Must have a degree in electrical-engineering, optics, physics, or a closely related field
- Must have at least 3 years of hands-on laboratoryresearch experience in photonics, integrated photonics, lasers and electro-optics, quantum physics or optics
- MS in related field with 3-8 years of experience OR PhD in related field with 0-4 years of relevant experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present challenging scientific topics clearly and the ability to create well-written papers and technical reports with little or no oversight
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in diverse, interdisciplinary teams
- Strong problem-solving skills with a creative, curious, and detail-oriented approach
- Ability to adapt to new projects and technical areas depending on customer needs
- Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with design and fabrication and/or test of integrated photonic circuits
- Experience in numerical modeling/simulation with tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, GDS Factory, KLayout, Synopsys OptoCompiler, or other photonic tape-out/design tools
- Electronic design: FPGA hardware development, analog/digital circuit design, PCB design, microcontrollers
- Experience with experiment control and automation
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia, C/C#/C )
- Comfort with a Linux-based computing environment
Salary Range
$90,000 - $174,500
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL?
SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
EOE including Disability and Vet