Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher (Hardware/ASIC/Microelectronics Designer)

Job Title

Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher (Hardware/ASIC/Microelectronics Designer)

Role Summary

Lead advanced research in electromagnetics engineering, integrated photonics, and novel computing devices aimed at High Performance Computing (HPC) applications. Work in a laboratory research environment, collaborating with academia, industry, and national laboratories to develop and demonstrate new physical devices, architectures, and systems that address national security needs.

Experience Level

Mid-level research position. The role expects an experienced researcher with an established record of research and publications; specific years of experience are not stated.

Responsibilities

Conduct and lead research projects and deliver technical results from concept through demonstration.

• Lead research in electromagnetics, integrated photonics, and novel computing devices for HPC.
• Analyze alternative physical devices and architectures; perform detailed modeling and simulation.
• Design, fabricate, and demonstrate prototype hardware, software, and integrated systems.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings to technical audiences.
• Collaborate with academia, industry, and national laboratories on joint research efforts.
• Supervise students and postdoctoral researchers participating in projects.
• Work with internal stakeholders to validate designs and develop applicable logic algorithms.

Requirements

Key technical and professional qualifications for successful candidates.

• Must-have: Proven research and development experience in relevant technical areas and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Must-have: Technical expertise in electromagnetics engineering and integrated photonics; familiarity with HPC application contexts.
• Must-have: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to work effectively in team-oriented research settings.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and experimental prototyping of physical devices and systems.
• Ability to collaborate with external partners (academia, industry, national labs) and internal customers.
• Experience supervising trainees and early-career researchers is desirable.
• Experience applying custom logic or ASIC/microelectronics design to mission problems is a plus.

Education Requirements

PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field (explicitly stated).

About the Company

Company: National Security Agency

Headquarters: Fort Meade, MD, United States

The National Security Agency is a U.S. government intelligence organization focused on signals intelligence, cybersecurity, and information assurance. It develops cryptologic systems, conducts intelligence collection and analysis, and supports national security operations and defense of federal information systems.