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The Role
Lead R&D in optical materials, utilizing spectroscopy and machine learning techniques for materials discovery. Propose and manage research initiatives.
Summary Generated by Built In
Essential Duties:
Lead cutting-edge R&D initiatives within a highly interdisciplinary environment that requires collaboration with chemists, physicists, and engineers. The research encompasses programs spanning optical materials, optics and advanced spectroscopy, and atomistic simulation of materials, with a strong emphasis on computational modeling and materials theory.
Required Skills:
Expert-level ability in materials modeling, particularly in understanding at least one of light-matter interaction across a broad range of materials and photonic devices, magnetic property prediction, or polymer modeling.
Excellent theoretical foundation in atomistic modeling and strong knowledge of current and emerging ML/AI techniques relevant to materials development. The ability to lead the development of computational platforms for materials discovery is critical for success.
Working knowledge of experimental techniques such as thin-film fabrication, wet chemistry, and solid-state sample preparation is a plus, but not the primary focus.
Generate ideas for new research programs, market ideas, and write proposals for funding. Lead program teams for awarded projects.
Familiarity with ultrafast laser experiments and various spectroscopy techniques is beneficial, primarily to support or interpret modeling results.
Strong experience in atomistic material simulation within frameworks such as density functional theory (DFT) or molecular dynamics. Experience with HPC environments and job scheduling is a significant advantage.
Knowledge of machine learning/artificial intelligence methods as applied to materials science is a plus.
Highly proficient in programming languages like Python or C++ for data analysis and integration with simulation workflows.
Experience with photonic, metamaterial, or optical system simulations in tools such as Lumerical, ZEMAX, or COMSOL is a plus.
Creation of technology roadmaps, writing competitive research proposals, leading teams of scientists, and working with external funding agencies is highly desirable.
Required Education:
PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering with a strong emphasis on optical material/device modeling, atomistic simulations (e.g., DFT), and computational characterization.
Physical Requirements:
Must be capable of performing extended analysis at computer workstations.
Must be able to work safely in an optical, electrical testing and wet chemistry laboratory.
Special Requirements:
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
Compensation:
The base salary range for this full-time position is $145,745 - $186,688 + bonus + benefits.
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include potential bonus or benefits.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
Top Skills
C++
Comsol
Cp2K
Lumerical
Python
Quantumespresso
Vasp
Zemax
What the Team is Saying
Sadaf
Engineer
Ethan
Engineer
Brian
Engineer
Harut
Engineer
Mak
Engineer
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The Company
What We Do
HRL Laboratories, LLC, Malibu, California, (hrl.com) pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL is a source of innovations that advance the state of the art in profound and far-reaching ways.
Why Work With Us
Our success is the result of our collaborative team of researchers, many of whom are the leading experts in their fields. Through their insights in support for our customers, we are finding the unique opportunities in technology.
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HRL Laboratories Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Hybrid Policy is role specific.
Typical time on-site:
Flexible
