Senior Photonics Scientist

Description

Leidos is looking for a Senior Physicist with expertise in areas such as integrated photonics, optical design, nanofabrication, optical physics. The candidate will work with a team of researchers to address critical challenges in quantum sensing and communications. The candidate will be responsible for developing and applying new approaches in integrated photonics on topics such as non‑linear optics, electro‑optics, frequency conversion, and single photon detection.

• Develop innovative approaches to integrated photonics for component design and testing.
• Work on aspects of photonic modeling, design, and testing.
• Research and evaluate emerging photonic technologies.
• Participate in scientific meetings and publish in the peer‑reviewed literature.
• Work collegially with a talented team of peers as well as university and government collaborators.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, or a similar technical field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Record of academic publishing and scientific research in photonics or related fields.
• Experience designing and modeling photonic components.
• Proven track record of innovation, problem solving, and laboratory skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills and ability to work independently on complex tasks and lead technical efforts.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship is required with the ability and willingness to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

• Experience conceptualizing and implementing new networking approaches and protocols
• Experience with proposal planning and writing
• Experience with quantum sensing or communications
• Current DoD Secret clearance.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

December 15, 2025

For U.S. Positions:
While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range $ - $

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement if any, or other law.

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at

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