Laser Research Engineer | KBR
Location: Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
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Program Summary
Defense Systems Engineering (DSE) provides scientific, engineering, and technical solutions to advance defense and national security interests on land, at sea, in the air, in space, and in cyberspace. DSE’s team of specialists includes scientists, engineers, aircrew, and other technical professionals who serve the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Our breadth of expertise includes the areas of acquisition; systems engineering and integration; artificial intelligence and machine learning; C6ISR; research and development; test and evaluation; sustainment engineering; and missile defense.
Job Summary
KBR is seeking a Laser Research Engineer to support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The principal objective of this position is the design, fabrication, and testing of laser sources and components in the infrared spectrum focused on sensors applications. A particular focus will be on the development of ultrafast pulsed sources, including semiconductor lasers, where the researcher will design epitaxial gain structures, conduct modeling and simulation, construct and test laser devices, and integrate the lasers with other devices and components. Test and evaluation of both in-house developed and foundry devices will be completed. Of particular interest are compact stabilized lasers sources. Ideal candidates will have knowledge and experience pertaining to these or similar devices.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and test various laser sources and components in the IR range.
- Perform daily optical setup and alignment for laser characterization.
- Modeling using finite-difference time-domain and finite element method optoelectronic modeling software.
- Writing and presenting results.
- Design laser gain structures with an emphasis on ultrafast pulsed sources.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in optical sciences/engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or related disciplines with relevant experience.
- Minimum of 2 year of experience with experiment design, optical setup and alignment, laser characterization, photonic integrated circuit testing, finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) / finite element method (FEM) or similar optoelectronic modeling software.
- Written and verbal communication skills for reporting and presenting results.
- Travel is required for this position, typically to 2-3 meetings per year is anticipated.
- US citizenship is required for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree and/or PhD degree in optical sciences/engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or related disciplines with relevant experience.
- Laser alignment, experience with photonic integrated circuits and/or component design, epitaxial design, stabilization of mode locked or narrow linewidth lasers, and related skills.
- Understanding of epitaxial growth and cleanroom fabrication processes.
- Experience with software for integrated circuit/lithography layout, data acquisition programming, Matlab/python or similar scientific computing/analysis.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Inclusion and Diversity at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people, sustainability, and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a more inclusive and diverse company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment of real collaboration across cultures and locations. Our individual differences and perspectives bring enhanced value to our teams and help us develop solutions for the most challenging problems. We understand that by embracing those differences and working together, we are more innovative, more resilient.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.