Principal Quantum Scientist

Icarus Quantum; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity package

Top facilities access

Collaborative environment

Publication opportunities

Startup culture

Job summary

Icarus Quantum in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Principal Quantum Scientist to lead scaling of single- and entangled-photon sources for quantum interconnects. You will design and model quantum optical systems, plan experiments at Harvard CNS and MIT.nano, mentor scientists, and guide technical roadmaps.

You will author technical documents and publications, present results to stakeholders, and help define strategic partnerships within the quantum ecosystem in a fast-paced startup setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and model quantum optical systems for scaling single- and entangled-photon sources.
• Plan and execute experiments; conduct microfabrication at Harvard CNS and MIT.nano.
• Guide integration of photonic devices into prototype platforms; author technical docs and publications.
• Present results to internal and external stakeholders; help define strategic partnerships in the quantum ecosystem.

Skills

Microfabrication experience

Lead complex R&D projects

Publish or patent record

Clear communication

Mentor scientists/engineers

Hands-on experimental prototyping

Education

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience

Tools

III–V semiconductor processing

Job description

Company Description Icarus Quantum is a spinout of the Quantum Nanophotonics Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Boulder, focused on advancing quantum interconnect technologies. The company develops ultra-efficient photon generators designed for scalable, real-world quantum photonics applications. By translating cutting-edge research into practical hardware, Icarus Quantum aims to enable modular quantum computers. Team members collaborate closely with leading scientists and engineers at the intersection of quantum optics, nanophotonics, and packaging.

Role Description The Principal Quantum Scientist is a full-time, on‑site role based in Cambridge, MA, responsible for leading the scaling and perfecting single‑and entangled‑photon sources for quantum interconnects. Day‑to‑day work includes designing and modeling quantum optical systems, planning and executing experiments, microfabrication at Harvard CNS and MIT.nano, and guiding the integration of photonic devices into prototype platforms. The individual will oversee technical roadmaps, mentor junior scientists and engineers, and collaborate with leadership to align research milestones with product objectives. The role also includes authoring technical documentation and publications, presenting results to internal and external stakeholders, and helping define strategic partnerships and collaborations in the quantum ecosystem.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience
• Strong hands‑on experience with microfabrication (lithography, etching, deposition)
• Proven ability to lead complex R&D projects, set technical direction, and translate fundamental research into practical engineering outcomes.
• Track record of peer‑reviewed publications or patents in quantum science, photonics, or closely related domains.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences and to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring and supervising scientists or engineers in a laboratory or product‑development setting.
• Comfort working in an early‑stage, fast‑paced environment, with strong problem‑solving abilities and a hands‑on approach to experimentation and prototyping.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with III–V semiconductor processing
• Background in quantum dots or single‑photon emitters
• Experience with cryogenic characterization of quantum devices

What We Offer

• Competitive salary ($140,000 - $160,000) and equity package
• Direct involvement in core technology development (not peripheral work)
• Access to top‑tier facilities (Engine, Harvard CNS, MIT.nano, NIST)
• Close collaboration with leading groups at NIST, CU Boulder, Harvard, and MIT
• Fast‑paced startup environment with ownership and impact
• Opportunities for publication, conferences, and technical growth