Job Description
Job Title:  Research Scientist - E2
Posting Start Date:  10/8/26

Standard Job Description

LM ATC is seeking an experienced professional Research Scientist to participate in the full life cycle of research & development of advanced physical, chemical, and optical systems for the study of classical and/or quantum-mechanical phenomena in laser-based remote sensing and communications.  

Successful candidates have expertise in the design, development, performance and reporting of experiments to measure fundamental classical and/or quantum-mechanical light-matter interactions.  The candidate has experimental research experience in atomic, molecular, nuclear, solid-state, thermal and other physical phenomena.  The candidate has experience developing theories based on observed results of experiments and predicting phenonemna based on theoretical considerations in areas such as acoustics, electricity and magnetism, electronics, heat, light, mechanics, radiation, optics and/or lasers.  The candidate has experience in the use of lasers, optics, cryogenics, vacuum systems, precision electronics, and high-performance detectors for the measurement of linear and nonlinear dynamics.  You should have direct and relevant experience in the design and modeling of complex physical and chemical systems, precise wavelength and phase stabilization of lasers, optical parametric oscillators and amplifiers and frequency conversion devices, familiarity with the state-of-the-art in linear and nonlinear optical materials and optical systems.  Additional knowledge of related laser-based remote sensing technologies is desired, including coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric sciences. You should be able to work together in small and large teams to achieve complex research objectives.  The candidate is expected to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education with 2 or more years of professional experience.  Successful candidates would be a U.S. citizen, willing and able to obtain a U.S. security clearance.  

Your responsibilities in this role will include the following:
· Specification and selection/acquisition of linear and/or nonlinear optical components and technologies
· Construction and operation of linear optical (imaging and non-imaging) and/or nonlinear optical breadboard and bench level systems
· Laboratory testing and experimental demonstration of optical systems
· Supporting prototype development for experimental optical payloads
· Assisting in system analysis and integration
· Assisting in field demonstration
· Contribution to summary reports, oral presentations, and/or technical proposals is expected

Standard Job Description: Performs scientific experiments, investigations, observations and related research studies into the nature and operation of natural phenomena in a particular field, using the scientific methods. Develops theories for understanding, characterizing and organizing natural phenomena into a systematic and meaningful pattern for the benefit of project advancement and emerging technologies. May participate in intellectual property evaluations and development of patent applications. May coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice. 

Basic Qualifications

  1. Undergraduate degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or related fields is required.
  2. Experience in the design/modeling of complex physical and chemical systems
  3. Knowledge and experience with standard analysis tools (MATLAB, Mathematica) and theoretical/analytical computational skills. 
  4. Experience in the use of lasers, optics cryogenics, vacuum systems, precision electronics and high-performance detectors for the measurement of linear and/or nonlinear dynamics. 
  5. Experience in the precise wavelength and phase stabilization of lasers
  6. Experience in the state-of-the-art linear and non-linear optical materials and optical systems 
  7. Experience in the construction of laboratory (linear and/or non-linear) optical set-ups and field-testing of lasers, passive optics and optical devices. Examples of this experience may include: laser resonators; laser amplifiers; optical communications links; laser radar; and/or parametric frequency converters.
  8. U.S. citizenship; Ability and willingness to obtain & maintain a US government security clearance

Desired Skills

  1. Knowledge of and experience with laser-based remote sensing technologies (e.g. coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation and/or atmospheric sciences, optical detection, signal/image processing.  
  2. Familiarity with the design, modeling and analysis of lasers, linear (imaging and non-imaging) systems and/or nonlinear optical systems and devices; examples include: laser resonators; laser amplifiers; optical communications links; photonics components; laser radar; and/or parametric frequency converters
  3. Familiarity with optical design and analysis software tools. Examples include Zemax, FRED, GLAD, Code-V and LASCAD.
  4. Familiarity with laboratory development and modeling software tools (i.e. Matlab/Simulink, Labview, and Mathcad).
  5. Familiarity with related laser-based remote sensing technologies (i.e. coherent and direct detection laser radar, radiometry, Fourier/wave optics, beam propagation, and/or atmospheric sciences, optical detection, signal/image processing).
  6. Familiarity with product development and/or technology development organizations.
  7. Current TS/SCI clearance

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $91200.00 - $169400.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.  

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.