Computational Scientist – Metasurfaces, Photonics, and Inverse Design

About the role

We are seeking a Computational Research Scientist to contribute to ongoing research projects in topics such as RF/optical metasurfaces, integrated photonics, and quantum computing. In this role, you will be developing and applying computational models, simulations, and optimization algorithms for designing novel devices.

Responsibilities

• Building simulations using both custom numerical models and commercial tools to design novel electromagnetic devices.
• Developing and characterizing optimization algorithms, inverse-design methods, and computational design workflows.
• Taking ownership of design and analysis workflows by independently learning new programming tools, simulation frameworks, and theoretical concepts.
• Reading scientific literature and applying emerging methods to open-ended research problems.
• Working closely with engineers and experimentalists to explore new phenomena, build prototypes, analyze data, and validate models against experimental data.
• Contributing to technical publications and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
• Have at least a year of professional or postgrad experience.
• Have a foundational understanding in areas such as electromagnetics, optics, mathematical modeling, and computational science.
• Be proficient in programming languages such as Python as well as related packages for data analysis.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently learn new technical topics, programming tools, or theoretical concepts through coursework, research, projects, or self-study.
• Have experience on research projects in a collaborative environment.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance.

Qualifications (above minimum)

• Hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have a strong background in electromagnetics, optics, or photonics, especially as related to metasurfaces, integrated photonics, tunable devices, or quantum computing hardware.
• Experience using full-wave electromagnetic simulation software (e.g. CST, HFSS, Lumerical, MEEP/MPB, Tidy3D) or multiphysics software (e.g. COMSOL).
• Developed advanced optimization algorithms (e.g., inverse design, adjoint optimization, machine learning-driven design).
• Experience with numerical methods, PDE solvers, scientific computing, or physics-based simulation from first principles.
• Experience working in high-performance computing (HPC) environments or developing scripted workflows for simulation or design automation.
• Contributed to technical publications, conference presentations, or research proposals.