Materials Research Scientist/Engineer
About the role
The Optical Materials group is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Research Scientist/Engineer to join our team at SRI International’s Menlo Park, California headquarters. You will contribute to ongoing and future R&D programs in nanophotonic inverse design, metasurfaces, quantum optics, and more.
SRI International is an independent nonprofit research organization with a mission to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier, and more productive. With 75 years of innovation, SRI has pioneered technologies like the computer mouse, robotic surgery, and cancer treatments, creating new industries and lasting societal benefits. The Optical Materials group is part of the Space & Survivability Lab within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division, focusing on applying academic research to address DoD applications.
Responsibilities
- Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices
- Apply scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas
- Conduct business development and contribute to white papers and proposals
- Provide technical briefings and reports and support client engagement
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff
This is a junior principal investigator (PI)-track opportunity, offering mentorship to become a PI for new research thrusts based on your ideas and direct interactions with customers.
Requirements
- PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience (higher levels of experience with demonstrated independent work or task leadership will also be considered)
- Experience with commercial full-wave electromagnetic modeling software, such as Ansys HFSS or COMSOL Multiphysics
- Familiarity with inverse design and/or machine learning is a plus
- U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance (current clearance is a plus)
- Limited travel required
Pay
The salary range is $115,710–$172,115, varying based on geographic location, market competitiveness, and internal equity. Positions may qualify for SRI’s Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance-Based Compensation program.
Benefits
SRI offers a competitive benefits package. View details here.