Quantum Photonics Engineer

Description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Quantum Photonics Engineer in our Intel Sector - Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

Job Description:

The Quantum Photonics Engineer to further advance our design capabilities in integrated photonics. This role will include performing simulation, design, and layout work to build integrated photonic devices for quantum applications. In addition, you will develop high-fidelity models for these photonic devices, which fall in the areas of Quantum Sensing and Communications. In this position, you will collaborate closely with other circuit designers and test engineers to understand requirements and provide the necessary support to ensure successful completion of project goals and tasks.

Responsibilities Include:

• Simulate and design photonics components
• Develop photonic integrated circuits through Python programming
• Collaborate with fabrication and test teams to deliver promising solutions

Basic Qualifications:

• Degree in physics, engineering, or other equivalent area of expertise and 4+ year of experience
• Strong proficiency in object-oriented programming and software development best practices
• Experience with optimization of photonic components using simulation tools (Lumerical, Tidy3D, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with GDSFactory, KLayout, or similar design tools
• Experience with open-ended numerical simulations and optimizations
• Strong analysis, design, and problem-solving skills
• Expert in Python programming
• US citizenship with an active Top Secret clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Team-based software engineering experience (version control, concurrent development, etc.)
• Expertise and experimental background in nonlinear optics, atomic physics, quantum information science, and/or quantum photonics
• Experience with nanofabrication processes and process design kits
• Experience with design and packaging of heterogeneous devices
• Experience creating GDSII/OASIS files programmatically
• Strong background in data analysis and visualization

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.

Original Posting:
January 16, 2026

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:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .

Pay and Benefits

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 www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com .

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission .

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.