Photonics Specialist

Job Title:

Photonics Specialist Job Description This role focuses on applying advanced photonics expertise to develop and evaluate cutting-edge radar, sensing, and communications systems. You will work in a research-oriented environment, collaborating with experts in physics, mathematics, and related disciplines to design photonics architectures, prototype algorithms, and analyzing complex waveforms and sensor data. The position offers the opportunity to work on technologies that are 10-15 years ahead of current applications, contributing to innovative solutions in radar, electronic warfare, and next-generation communications. Responsibilities

• Research adversary warfare systems technology trends and techniques
• Participate in defining requirements for EW compact payloads.
• Apply knowledge of adversary technologies and notional blue force concepts of operations to define requirements for EW compact payloads.
• Derive RF requirements for mixed analog, digital and photonics design and translate into photonics specifications.
• Apply novel trends in photonics RF such as wideband receivers and transmitters, oscillators, low-noise amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, filters, and photonics computation to EW applications including receive, process, and transmit.
• Work with multi-mode (mixed analog/digital/photonics) integrated circuit designers to develop requirements and specifications for fabricated and heterogeneously integrated electronics such as photonics integrated circuits.
• Work with photonics experts and utilize lab equipment to develop physical bench-level and lab demonstrations of photonics EW.
• Work with manufacturing experts to integrate photonics RF into heterogeneous structures consisting of conformal antennas, photonics, analog and digital electronics, bio-inspired computing and emerging energy storage layers. Skills & Qualifications
• Graduate from PhD program from R1 university with specialization in Photonics RF to include receivers, transmitters, mixers, filters, oscillators, photonics computation.
• Completion of Post Doc is a plus
• Experience in Electronic Warfare Applications is a plus
• Demonstrated background in signal processing theory or research, evidenced by coursework, thesis work, laboratory projects, publications, or similar experience.
• Experience or academic exposure to RF, radar, communications, or related electromagnetic systems.
• Proficiency in mathematical modeling and algorithm development using scientific programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Research‑oriented background , such as thesis-based graduate work or experience in a physics or mathematics research group.
• Interest in advanced sensing, electronic warfare, spectral processing, and electromagnetics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in small, multi‑disciplinary research teams and contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

Work Environment This role operates in a work environment that combines on-site laboratory work with remote tasks, offering a schedule aligned with government-style working hours. You will join a small, highly collaborative team focused on research and development of RF, radar, and electronic warfare technologies that are 10-15 years ahead of current applications. The work involves frequent use of scientific programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++, as well as hands‑on interaction with RF laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and vector signal generators. The environment emphasizes rigorous technical analysis, thorough documentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with experts in physics, mathematics, and engineering, providing a focused and innovative setting for advanced RF and signal processing research. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Adelphi, MD. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $180000.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Adelphi,MD.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.