Optical Engineer Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Are you motivated to develop next-generation optical and optoelectronic devices that protect our nation and advance scientific discovery?

Do you thrive in a cleanroom setting, working with expert teams to build high precision, multilayer optics and develop groundbreaking electronic materials?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Electronic and Optical Materials Device Fabrication Engineer to help us fabricate world-class micro- and nanoscale devices. The role is predominantly fabrication-focused, with a majority of working hours spent in a cleanroom or laboratory environment, including the cleanroom at JHU-APL in Laurel, MD and other multi-user facilities within a 20 min to 1 hr drive. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are passionate about developing ground-breaking solutions to solve the nation's critical challenges!

In this role, you'll...

• Design and optimize multilayer layouts with Python scripting for layout generation and data analysis.
• Develop advanced fabrication recipes for multilayer optics using e-beam lithography and direct-write lithography on various optical substrates.
• Build and maintain version-controlled GDS/layout databases with Python-based automation for parametric layout generation, fracturing, and design rule checking, and develop data-analysis pipelines linking design, fabrication, and metrology data for CD, overlay, and yield trends.
• Apply AI and machine-learning approaches to improve fabrication processes
• Refine deposition techniques across systems such as e-beam, thermal, and sputter evaporators, PECVD, ALD, and MOCVD to enhance device quality.
• Characterize thin films and processes using tools like SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, and film stress analysis to ensure quality and performance.
• Execute precision etching processes to meet tight design specifications and tolerances.
• Maintain and update process documentation, including runsheets, for accuracy and repeatability.
• Collaborate with teams to innovate and improve fabrication workflows.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Masters Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Have 7+ years experience working in a microfabrication or nanofabrication cleanroom environment.
• Are proficient in multilayer layout design and modification, with expertise in Python scripting for both design automation and data analysis.
• Have experience optimizing etch and deposition processes, including thermal evaporation, e-beam, sputtering, PECVD, ICP RIE, and ion mill techniques. E-beam lithography experience is a requirement for this posting.
• Are willing and able to travel locally to shared cleanrooms and laboratory facilities
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Have experience using e-beam lithography to pattern meta-optic or integrated photonics devices.
• Have experience patterning materials for photonic integrated circuits, adaptive optics, RF, IR, or MEMS devices.
• Familiarity with sophisticated characterization tools, including SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, and spectroscopic reflectometry.
• Experience working with metaoptic and integrated photonics designers

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.