Quantum Laser Scientist - Photonics & Metrology Lead

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

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.