Laser Scientist

Vector Atomic, Inc.; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

401(k) contributions

15–20 days paid time off

Parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, seeks a quantum photonics expert in Pleasanton, CA to lead system architecture for laser and PIC-based technologies. You will design, simulate, and integrate high-stability sources with frequency combs and atomic clocks, collaborating across hardware teams to push precision timing sensors.

You will work onsite in a fast-paced environment, leveraging SiN and LiNbO3 platforms, with a strong emphasis on metrology, noise reduction, and high-Q resonators.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience with ultra-stable cavities, frequency combs, or atomic clocks.
• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field focusing on atomic/optical physics or metrology.
• U.S. citizenship or eligible status required to comply with export control laws.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Develop custom laser systems from fiber-based oscillators to integrated chip-scale architectures.
• PIC Design & Simulation: Design and simulate PIC layouts for high-Q micro-resonators and dispersion-engineered optics.
• Translation & Integration: Migrate frequency combs to PIC platforms.
• Assembly & Characterization: Build and characterize fiber spooling and nonlinear stages.
• Precision Metrology: Characterize frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan deviation.
• Frequency Stabilization: Develop testing protocols for PDH locking and f-2f referencing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware teams for integration into clocks and timing sensors.

Skills

Ultra-stable cavities

Frequency combs

Atomic clocks

Metrology

Nonlinear optics

Fiber splicing

Education

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Lumerical FDTD/MODE

COMSOL Multiphysics

Python

MATLAB

Phase Noise Analyzers

Job description

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ\u2019s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ\u2019s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

About Vector Atomic:

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you\u2019re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we\u2019d love to hear from you.

Location:

This is an onsite role based in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area).

What You\u2019ll Do

• System Architecture: Develop custom laser systems from fiber-based oscillators to integrated chip-scale architectures


• PIC Design & Simulation: Design and simulate PIC layouts optimized for high-Q micro-resonators and dispersion-engineered nonlinear optics using materials like SiN, TFLN, and Tantala


• Translation & Integration: Architect the migration of frequency combs and low-noise systems from discrete fiber/free-space components to PIC platforms


• Assembly & Characterization: Build and characterize conventional systems, including fiber spooling, MOPA configurations, and discrete nonlinear conversion stages


• Precision Metrology: Perform rigorous characterization of frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan deviation at both the benchtop and chip levels


• Frequency Stabilization: Develop testing protocols for stabilization architectures, including PDH locking and f-2f self-referencing


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware teams to integrate laser systems into atomic clocks and quantum timing sensors

What We\u2019re Looking For

• 3+ years of professional experience working with ultra-stable cavities, frequency combs, or atomic clocks


• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on atomic/optical physics, frequency metrology, or integrated photonics.


• To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees


• Metrology Expertise: Hands-on experience measuring RIN, frequency noise, and phase noise using Phase Noise Analyzers and high-speed RF equipment


• Nonlinear Optics: Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides


• Fiber & Bulk Optics: Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly

Preferred Qualifications

• Integrated Photonics Design: Proficiency in simulation suites such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE) or COMSOL for designing waveguides and resonators


• Frequency Comb Mastery: Deep understanding of mode-locked lasers and fceo- detection and stabilization


• Advanced Materials: Practical experience with chip-level probing and coupling (edge/grating) specifically for SiN, Thin-Film Lithium Niobate, or Tantala


• Control Systems: Strong understanding of PID control loops, high-bandwidth feedback, and low-noise frequency/power controllers


• Scientific Computing: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automating optical characterization and processing high-bandwidth noise data


• Optical Packaging: Experience with high-efficiency laser-to-chip integration and coupling techniques

Benefits

At Vector Atomic we value teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)


• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)


• Employer 401(k) contributions


• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays


• Paid parental leave


• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $163,000 to $214,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. Please note that it is less common for candidates to be hired at the top of this range, as final compensation is determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.