Integrated Photonics Engineer I
The Integrated Photonics Engineer I at Confidential Client supports the development and characterization of integrated photonic devices and circuits for quantum information processing, sensing, and communication under senior engineer guidance. This entry-level, on-site role involves assisting with design, simulation, fabrication processes, and system-level optimization within a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment focused on advancing heterogeneous quantum networks.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense & Quantum Technologies.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
This is an on-site, full-time exempt, entry-level Integrated Photonics Engineer I position based in Rome, NY. Work will be performed at government-anchored facilities (e.g., AFRL and the Innovare Advancement Center at the Rome Griffiss campus) under the mentorship of senior engineers. Candidates must be located, or willing to relocate, within a commutable distance to Rome, NY by their agreed start date.
- Salary range: $75,000 - $95,000 annually.
- Work location (non-negotiable): On-site in Rome, NY.
- U.S. citizenship required; no visa sponsorship available.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with independent and team-based research to develop and advance components of a wide-area, heterogeneous quantum network under senior guidance.
- Support design, simulation, and optimization of integrated photonic devices and circuits for quantum information processing, sensing, and communication.
- Help design photonic circuits that support quantum algorithms and protocols, and assist senior engineers on system-level tasks.
- Integrate photonics with light sources, detectors, and control systems; support testing and characterization.
- Observe and assist in tape-out and fabrication workflows with fabrication teams and senior engineers.
- Learn and use photonic simulation tools (e.g., Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL) and layout software (e.g., GDSFactory, KLayout) to support device and circuit design.
- Develop foundational hands-on expertise in integrated photonics and quantum technologies through mentorship.
Education & Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree (minimum) in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution.
Required qualifications
- ~1 year of professional or research experience (internship, thesis, or coursework projects accepted in lieu of professional experience).
- Basic familiarity with photonic device design concepts from coursework, research, or lab experience.
- Foundational knowledge of quantum optics and quantum information science.
- Willingness to learn photonic simulation and layout software on the job.
- Strong attention to detail and eagerness to learn fabrication and test workflows.
Desired qualifications
- Exposure to integrated photonics fabrication (academic or internship projects).
- Familiarity with optical testing/characterization (spectroscopy, microscopy, interferometry).
- Coursework or project experience involving quantum algorithms, computing, or communication.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, mentorship-driven team environment.
Clearance & Eligibility
- Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation and must meet and maintain eligibility for, at minimum, Secret access to classified information.
- As required by the contract and facility access rules, only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Travel
- This position is not expected to require travel.
Benefits & Perks
- Health, life, disability, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with a 3% company contribution plus 3% company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (including a PTO "gift day" for your birthday) and 11 federal holidays.
- Parental leave (three weeks paid maternity/paternity leave).
- Technology allowances, referral bonuses, recognition awards, healthcare stipends, tuition reimbursement (subject to program requirements), and flexible daily start/stop times for many projects.
About the Client
Confidential Client is a technology-focused organization operating in defense and quantum technologies, working with government research facilities and industry partners on cutting-edge photonics, quantum, and cyber technologies. The Rome/Utica area is a hub for research and testing in these spaces. Confidential Client values hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative engineering.
Please beware of fraudulent job offers. Confidential Client will never extend an employment offer without a thorough interview process and communication from an official corporate email address. If you receive unsolicited offers or requests from unofficial addresses, treat them as suspicious.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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