Quantum Photonics Engineer

Qunett; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Equity participation

Unlimited PTO

Employee support benefits

Job summary

Qunett is seeking a Quantum Photonics Engineer to join its Boston team. This full-time onsite role focuses on hands-on contributions to building entangled photon sources and quantum frequency conversion systems, emphasizing experimental design and performance improvements.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in relevant fields, strong experience with nonlinear optics, and proficiency in using optical design software. The role offers comprehensive health coverage, a 401(k) plan, equity participation, and unlimited PTO among its benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant fields or MS with equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with nonlinear and quantum optics.
• Experience working with spectroscopic-grade laser systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to building entangled photon sources.
• Design, assemble, and characterize quantum optical experiments.
• Own experimental modules to improve efficiency and performance.

Skills

nonlinear optics

quantum optics

optical setups

laser systems

Python

Education

PhD in Physics, Optics, or Electrical Engineering

MS with equivalent experience

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

spectroscopic-grade laser systems

Job description

Quantum Photonics Engineer

About Qunett

Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for quantum networking. Our mission is to build scalable, field-deployable quantum networks through solid-state quantum memory and networking technologies designed to operate beyond the laboratory and integrate directly with real-world infrastructure. At Qunett, physicists and engineers work hands‑on with diamond-based quantum devices, photonics, cryogenic systems, and control electronics to translate fundamental quantum capabilities into practical networked hardware. This is a ground‑floor opportunity to help shape how quantum systems communicate, scale, and drive the next generation of secure communication, distributed sensing, and quantum computing. As an early‑stage company actively building out its quantum memory and photonics teams, Qunett seeks physicists and engineers who bring technical range, adaptability, and readiness to contribute across disciplines as the technology and team evolve.

Work Location

This is a full‑time, onsite position based in Boston, MA.

About the role

Qunett is seeking a Photonics Engineer to contribute to the photonics team building entangled photon sources and quantum frequency conversion systems. This role is highly hands‑on, focused on designing, assembling, and characterizing laser‑driven nonlinear/quantum optical experiments that generate and measure biphotons (SPDC) and support system integration (filtering, stabilization, coupling, and detection). The role will own well‑scoped experimental modules and deliver measurable improvements in coupling efficiency, stability, and performance.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)
• Hands‑on experience with nonlinear optics and/or quantum optics in laboratory settings
• Extensive experience working with spectroscopic‑grade laser systems (alignment, safety, modulation, stabilization fundamentals)
• Experience building and troubleshooting optical setups: free‑space and fiber coupling, ABCD matrix analysis and implementation, beam shaping, polarization management, interferometers, and low‑noise detection
• Exposure to single‑photon sources and/or single‑photon detectors (e.g., SNSPDs/APDs), timing electronics, and basic coincidence measurements
• Experience using optical design / engineering tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent) to design, tolerance, and iterate optical layouts
• Familiarity with modern software/AI‑assisted tools for coding, optimization, and experiment control (e.g., Python‑based analysis and automation)

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with SPDC‑based entangled photon sources (Sagnac or interferometric geometries), biphoton characterization, and/or HOM‑type interference measurements
• Experience with wavelength‑division multiplexing concepts (filters, DWDM components), insertion‑loss management, and polarization gates
• Experience with laser spectroscopy in solid‑state, atomic, or ion systems
• Exposure to micro/nanofabrication or photonic device integration
• Familiarity with quantum networking requirements (entanglement distribution, link budgets, interface constraints)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Equity participation through stock options for all new hires
• Flexible time off: unlimited PTO, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• Employee support benefits including EAP, caregiver support, healthcare advocacy, and more