Photonics Test Engineer

Mesa Quantum; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

Paid Time Off

Training & Development

Free Food & Snacks

Job summary

A leading quantum technology firm is seeking a Photonics Test Engineer in Albuquerque, NM. This role involves supporting the testing and characterization of semiconductor lasers in a lab-based environment. Ideal candidates will have a background in electrical engineering or applied physics and a willingness to learn about nanofabrication and laser systems. The position offers competitive compensation with benefits including health care and unlimited paid time off.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in lab work required.
• Familiarity with compound semiconductors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support optical and electrical characterization of VCSELs.
• Understand failure mechanisms of lasers.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment and document experimental results.

Skills

Optoelectronic devices

Semiconductor materials

Optical measurements

Detail-oriented

Documentation skills

Education

Degree in electrical engineering

Degree in applied physics

Degree in materials science

Job description

Base pay range

$60,000.00/yr - $70,000.00/yr

Mesa Quantum is building the manufacturing backbone of the quantum economy. We specialize in chip‑scale quantum devices—starting with clocks and sensors—that unlock resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems. Our team blends cutting‑edge quantum physics with precision manufacturing and systems engineering to create scalable hardware that works beyond the lab. Backed by leading deep‑tech investors and the U.S. Department of Defense, we’re growing fast—and looking for exceptional engineers to join us.

We’re hiring for a Photonics Test Engineer to support the test and characterization of compound semiconductor lasers used in Mesa’s Quantum sensors. This is a hands‑on, lab‑based role ideal for someone with interests in semiconductors, cleanroom work, and laser device testing. You’ll assist with optical and electrical characterization of Vertical‑Cavity Surface‑Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) both at R&D prototype and high‑volume production and contribute to the development of Mesa Quantum’s laser products. No prior experience with quantum systems required; just a willingness to learn and a strong foundation in lab work. This is a hands‑on, technical role that will shape the future of Mesa Quantum’s products and platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Support optical and electrical characterization of VCSELs at scale, such as light‑current‑voltage (L‑I‑V), emission spectrum, and polarization measurements.
• Understand failure mechanisms of lasers, such as ESD, electrical breakdown, thermal rollover, etc.
• Understand key laser reliability measurements, including accelerated lifetime, mean‑time‑to‑failure, etc.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment and document experimental results clearly.
• Collaborate with a small R&D team and contribute to process improvements.

Preferred Background

• Degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, or related discipline.
• Lab experience with one or more of the following: optoelectronic devices, semiconductor materials, or optical measurements.
• Familiarity with compound semiconductors (e.g., GaAs) is a plus.

What We’re Looking For

• Background in semiconductor or photonics concepts and interest in hands‑on experimental work.
• Willingness to learn nanofabrication techniques and safety procedures in a cleanroom environment.
• Good lab habits, attention to detail, and strong documentation skills.
• A team player who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, research‑driven environment.

Who You Are

• You care about building real hardware that ships.
• You are detail‑obsessed, hands‑on, and love solving hard technical problems.
• You thrive in interdisciplinary environments and want to work closely with physicists, engineers, and product teams.
• You want your work to matter—to defense, to infrastructure, to the future of quantum.

Compensation

$60,000‑70,000 annually. We also provide a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees, unlimited paid time off, and a fully stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks!

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Training & Development
• Free Food & Snacks

Location

Albuquerque, NM

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

Mesa Quantum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.