Optical Materials Scientist

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable optical metasurfaces designed to enable multi- and hyper-spectral sensing on next-generation space missions. Our Space Business Area is actively transforming space payload solutions through customer-funded programs and high-impact internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. If you are passionate about enabling groundbreaking capabilities in space-based sensing and working at the intersection of optical simulation, nanofabrication, and laboratory experimentation, we want you on our team.

Design & Modeling: Lead full-wave electromagnetic modeling to identify, optimize, and evaluate tunable infrared metasurface filters based on phase change materials. Performance Simulation: Architect advanced models to analyze the specific impact of tunable filters on the overall performance of infrared sensor systems. Fabrication Planning: Research, identify, and establish viable methods to successfully fabricate optimized optical designs. Experimental Validation: Create and execute comprehensive laboratory characterization plans to validate modeled performance against real-world data. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to evaluate, test, and mature emerging optical technologies. Data Analysis & Documentation: Analyze experimental data to inform ongoing design decisions and document technical results to support IR&D and formal program milestones.

Education: BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS degree with 6+ years of prior relevant. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain. Security Clearance: US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance. Core Experience: Demonstrated research or development experience specifically in optical and infrared materials. Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic modeling software (e.g., Ansys HFSS, COMSOL, or Lumerical). Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the infrared/optical properties of materials (including phase change materials), metamaterials, and metasurfaces. Sensor Technology: Foundational familiarity or experience with infrared detector technology. Optimization Skills: Experience utilizing optimization methods, including adjoint gradient descent and topology optimization. Professional Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, sharp attention to detail, and effective written/verbal communication skills.

Active Clearance: Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI). Cleanroom Experience: Hands-on experience with cleanroom environments and nanofabrication techniques (e.g., electron-beam lithography, photolithography, etching). Spaceflight Hardware: Prior exposure to designing optical components intended for space environments or satellite payloads. Programming: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for automated data collection or custom optical modeling scripts. Publication Record: Record of research contributions demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, or development of relevant optical technologies. 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: August 19, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open