Experimental Atomic Physicist

Computational Physics Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, Dental and Vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Computational Physics Inc. is seeking an Experimental Atomic Physicist to support atomic clock development at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. The candidate will work on high-uptime optical clocks and collaborate with U.S. government scientists.

Qualifications include a PhD in Experimental Atomic Physics, six years of experience, and skills in Python and optics. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experimental physics experience.
• Familiarity with feedback control theory and electronics.
• Hands-on experience with python-based experimental control.

Responsibilities

• Support next-generation atomic clock development at USNO.
• Work with the Clock Development division on optical lattice clocks.
• Provide periodic updates to the Clock Development Division Chief.

Skills

Data analysis using Python

Familiarity with lasers

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education

PhD in Experimental Atomic Physics or similar field

Tools

Optical frequency combs

Diode lasers

Job description

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for an Experimental Atomic Physicist to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO).

Background

The USNO is responsible for the creation, dissemination and maintenance of precise time and navigation products for the Department of Defense and other customers. CPI is seeking an Experimental Physicist with a background in atomic, molecular or optical physics to support next‑generation atomic clock development at USNO. The successful candidate will support the work of the Clock Development division on optical lattice clocks and cold‑atom beam optical clocks based on alkaline earth atoms. The new Physicist will work with a team of CPI contractors and USNO Scientists to develop robust solutions for high‑uptime optical clocks and the infrastructure for their integration into the USNO timescale.

Most work for this position will be completed on-site at USNO in Washington, D.C.; occasional travel to conferences within and outside of the continental United States may be required based on the needs of the customer. Relocation assistance is available. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance upon hiring, an active clearance is not required at the time of application. The new Physicist will work closely with other CPI contractors and federal employees in the Precise Time Department, providing periodic updates to the Clock Development Division Chief.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Experimental Atomic Physics or similar field
• At least 6 years of experimental physics experience, this can include relevant work toward an advanced degree.
• Data analysis using Python or similar programming language
• Familiarity with lasers, optics and atomic spectroscopy
• Familiarity with feedback control theory and electronics
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Atomic clocks
• Laser cooling and trapping of alkaline‑earth atoms
• Diode lasers and optical frequency combs
• Hands‑on experience with python‑based experimental control (e.g. ARTIQ)

Candidate must obtain a SECRET clearance upon hiring. U.S. citizenship is required for DoD contracts.

Benefits

• 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Disability insurance (short‑term and long‑term)
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.