Quantum Physicist, Integrated Photonics

About the role

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers - ready for real-world application.

For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other - often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories advances critical structural and functional materials and semiconductor devices that enable precision navigation, quantum technologies and extreme-environment performance. With expertise from design through deployment, we deliver scalable, high-performance solutions that transform our customers’ missions. Our work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques to meet tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

Position Summary

• Design, build, test, and analyze optical, optoelectronic, and photonic experiments for quantum communications systems and platforms
• Develop and evaluate experimental approaches involving integrated photonics, quantum optics, and related technologies
• Translate theoretical concepts and research findings into practical experimental implementations and prototypes
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary R&D teams to advance quantum communications technologies

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, calculate, construct, and test integrated photonics and electro-optical experiments and prototypes
• Develop experimental setups, methodologies, and prototypes to investigate and validate new concepts and technologies
• Perform data collection, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of experimental results
• Troubleshoot experimental systems and identify innovative solutions to technical challenges
• Present research findings, experimental results, and technical recommendations to team members and other stakeholders
• Prepare technical documentation, including invention disclosures and research reports
• Contribute to the development of technical and research proposals
• Author and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed scientific and technical journals
• Attend and present research at scientific and technical conferences
• Brief internal and external customers on technical developments, experimental results, and project progress
• Collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, and other technical personnel across multiple disciplines

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

• Research experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Integrated photonics
• Quantum optics
• Quantum networking
• Nonlinear optics
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions by applying research results and technical knowledge from a broad range of sources.
• Experience with multiphysics simulation at both the device and optical-system levels.
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) and photonic/electronic layout is a plus.
• Demonstrated laboratory expertise and a strong track record of independently troubleshooting and solving complex experimental problems in multiple areas, including:
• Free-space optics
• Fiber optics
• Integrated photonics
• Microwave systems engineering
• Custom electronics design
• Vacuum equipment and hardware
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Quantum optics
• Quantum entanglement
• Integrated photonics
• Quantum networking
• Experience using Lumerical and other relevant simulation, modeling, and design software.
• Strong record of publications in top-tier, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research concepts into practical experimental systems, prototypes, and solutions.
• Strong desire and ability to learn new technologies and methodologies.
• Flexibility to transition quickly between projects, priorities, and technical challenges.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and experimental skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and experimental results.
• Ability to actively participate in collaborative R&D team activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely and effectively in a laboratory environment
• Ability to handle and operate laboratory equipment and experimental systems as required
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for conferences, customer engagements, collaboration, or other business needs

Special Requirements

• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: $140,700 - $175,950
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

• Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance,

401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.* For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.