Research Physicist/materials Engineer/electrical Engineer

Research Physicist/Materials Engineer/Electrical Engineer

The Complex Electromagnetic Materials (CEM) Research Group at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in Dayton, OH is looking for a qualified research-grade postdoctoral candidate with experience in the areas of optics, photonics, and electromagnetics to join a vibrant and active research effort relating to design, fabrication and characterization of metasurfaces and metamaterials.

This research opportunity involves the design, fabrication and characterization of optical frequency metasurfaces and metamaterials. The candidate will serve as a contractor working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, developing/leveraging expertise in the cleanroom to fabricate metasurfaces as well as characterizing their performance and developing a means to scale up their size via soft lithography techniques. The candidate will also have an opportunity to engage, learn and be involved in the design and simulation of these novel materials/devices.

Working at AFRL is a unique opportunity to solve important, long-term challenges that guide research efforts in an environment that strongly encourages collaboration (government/academic/industry), publication in top journals, and conference attendance, as well as opportunities to collaborate with internal and external teammates, customers, and partners to create objectives and work plans, review designs, support experimentation, and/or transition technical designs.

Responsibilities

• Utilize experience with cleanroom and other nanofabrication techniques applied to metasurface fabrication, including electron beam lithography, traditional lithography, deposition, liftoff, and etching techniques.
• Demonstrate proficiency or willingness to learn soft-lithography techniques, such as nanoimprint lithography, for metasurface fabrication.
• Conduct optical benchtop measurements, particularly measurements of optical metasurfaces to assess their wavefront shaping and spectral performance.
• Apply familiarity with or willingness to learn broader deposition and thin film characterization techniques.
• Employ experience with COMSOL, Lumerical, and/or HFSS for simulations and modeling.
• Exhibit the ability and desire to quickly learn new techniques, devise research plans, and develop expertise in technical topics related to photonics and optics.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by public presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
• Perform advanced data analysis and visualization.
• Work effectively both independently and in a group setting.
• Show proficiency or willingness to learn Python; desired experience with scientific Python packages including NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, scikit, and pandas.

Requirements

• Clearance Required: Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and will need to meet eligibility requirements for access to a classified environment and information.
• Must be a US Citizen
• PhD: Physics, Optics, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related science or engineering field.
• Must be able to work in an office environment at a desk and computer using a keyboard and mouse; potential for remote work/work-from-home.
• Must be able to work in a lab environment.
• Must be able to lift or carry up to 25 pounds.

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
• Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.