COL-2026-049 | Experimental Quantum Physicist

Zoho; New Mexico; On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Zoho is seeking an Experimental Quantum Physicist to lead design and hardware development for next- generation atomic sensors and quantum metrology. You will advance quantum sensing systems for precise PNT and RF electrometry in a laboratory setting.

The role requires hands-on AMO/photonic experience, laser stabilization, and the ability to translate lab prototypes into rugged, field-ready devices. This is an on-site position in Torrance, CA with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of hands-on lab experience in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize benchtop and compact setups for atomic and photonic quantum sensors.
• Assemble, align, and maintain complex optical trains and precision laser systems.
• Drive experimental validation across atom interferometry, atomic clocks, and related modalities.
• Develop automated test benches and data logging for high-precision measurements.
• Collaborate on miniaturization of lab setups into rugged SWaP-friendly packages.
• Document methodologies and results in technical reports.

Skills

AMO physics

Atom interferometry

Atomic magnetometers

Rydberg sensors

Photonic integration

Optomechanics

Optical frequency combs

Laser stabilization

Vacuum systems

Education

Master’s or PhD in Physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

COL-2026-049 | Experimental Quantum Physicist

Torrance, United States | Posted on 10/07/2026

Job Description

Experimental Quantum Physicist (Atomic Sensors & Quantum Metrology)Job Type: Full-time, PermanentWorkplace Type: On-site (Laboratory-based)Location: Torrance, CA (Greater Los Angeles Area)Salary Range: $110,000 – $180,000 / year (commensurate with experience & degree level)Job SummaryWe are seeking an innovative and driven Experimental Quantum Physicist to spearhead the laboratory research, design, and hardware development of next-generation atomic and photonic metrology platforms. In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing cutting-edge quantum sensing systems engineered for precision Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) as well as RF electrometry applications.The ideal candidate is a self-starter with deep hands-on experimental proficiency across atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, cold-atom architectures, laser stabilization, or integrated photonic subsystems.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental System Design: Design, build, and optimize benchtop and compact prototype setups for atomic and photonic quantum sensors.

Laser & Optical Alignment: Assemble, align, and maintain complex optical trains, narrow-linewidth laser systems, optical frequency combs, and precision fiber-coupling hardware.

Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Drive experimental validation across core quantum modalities (e.g., atom interferometry, atomic magnetometers, Rydberg-atom electrometer systems, or chip-scale atomic clocks).

Data Acquisition & Analysis: Develop automated test benches and instrumentation control routines for rapid data logging, signal processing, Allan deviation measurements, and noise-floor characterization.

Hardware Miniaturization & Packaging: Collaborate on the transition of free-space laboratory setups into ruggedized, compact physics packages and integrated photonic architectures.

Technical Documentation: Document experimental methodologies, system architectures, and characterization results in comprehensive technical reports and engineering specifications.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Laboratory Tenure: 2+ years of hands-on post-graduate or industry experimental laboratory experience in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics.

Core Technical Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on experimental background in at least one of the following domains:

Atom-based sensing: Cold/neutral atom systems, atom interferometers, atomic magnetometers, Rydberg-atom sensors, or atomic clocks.

Integrated photonics: Waveguide coupling, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) characterization, or hybrid photonic packaging.

Levated optomechanics: Precision manipulation and optical trapping of nano- or micro-particles.

Optical frequency combs: Comb generation, carrier-envelope offset (CEO) stabilization, and comb-based metrology.

Optics & Lasers: Demonstrated proficiency with laser frequency locking (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall, saturated absorption spectroscopy), vacuum systems (UHV), and precision optical alignment.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers, magnetic shielding design, or RF/microwave electronics for atomic state preparation and interrogation.

Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for instrument automation, PID loop tuning, and experimental data acquisition.

Experience transitioning laboratory-scale quantum physics apparatus into deployable, SWaP-optimized (Size, Weight, and Power) prototypes.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $110,000 – $180,000 / year

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage

Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan

Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and company-paid holidays

Standardized Title: Experimental Physicist / Quantum Physicist

Alternative Matching Titles: Quantum Optics Scientist, Atomic Physicist, Photonics Research Scientist, AMO Physicist

City: Torrance

State: California (CA)

Postal Code: 90504 (or San Pedro, CA 90731)

Country: United States

Industry: Defense & Space / R&D / Nanotechnology & Quantum Tech