Research Engineer - Laser System Development

Vescent; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental insurance

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid holidays and PTO

HSA with employer matching

Long-term disability

Job summary

Vescent Technologies seeks a highly driven candidate to support development and evaluation of state‑of‑the‑art laser and opto‑electronic technology for future product integration in Golden, CO. The role emphasizes prototyping, troubleshooting, and digital control algorithm development for adaptive laser solutions.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on lab experience with lasers, FPGA/DSP skills, Python, and a collaborative mindset for cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience writing technical papers or reports.
• Laboratory experience in lasers and electro‑optics; proficiency with electronic test equipment.
• Experience in FPGA development or digital signal processing techniques.
• Experience in laser spectroscopy and/or frequency stabilization techniques.
• Proficiency in electronic circuits and opto-electronic components.
• Experience with electro‑optic integration and troubleshooting.
• Programming in Python; HDL and Vivado experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and test prototype lasers and electro‑optical systems.
• Develop digital control algorithms for frequency‑stabilized laser systems.
• Perform laboratory measurements and analyze test data; present results.
• Develop and document test and assembly procedures.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and travel to conferences or customer sites as needed.

Skills

Lab experimentation

Data analysis

Prototyping

Collaboration

Report writing

Education

B.S./M.S. in Physics or Electrical/Optical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Frequency counters

HDL (Verilog/VHDL)

Vivado

Python

Job description

Salary: $90,000-$100,000 based upon education, work experience, and skill

About Us

Vescent Technologies is a recognized leader in quantum technologies.This includes both: i) foundational technologies such as laser frequency control systems, optical frequency combs, electro-optical modules, and feedback control electronics, and ii) complete solutions such as next generation atomic clocks and time distribution, control systems for quantum computers, and deployed quantum sensors. The work environment is fun, fast-paced, challenging, and interdisciplinary. The Vescent team takes pride in its work, is energetic and agile, and enjoys celebrating team successes.

Position Summary

Vescent Technologies seeks a creative and highly driven individual to join our Advanced Technology team in Golden, CO. The candidate will support the development and evaluation of state-of-the- art laser and opto-electronic technology for future product integration. This role will focus on the development, prototyping, and troubleshooting of frequency-controlled laser solutions with additionally work on the research and development of digital control algorithms to provide highly adaptive laser solutions for next generation quantum applications.The right candidate is a hands‑on “lab enthusiast” who enjoys learning new skills, solving challenging technical problems, and being part of a highly collaborative team.The position will involve working with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, production technicians, and sales and marketing personnel to ensure the design of prototype technology will meet design and manufacturing requirements along with market demands. This position is >90% on‑site and in‑laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and collaboratively on research projects.
• Design, construct, and test prototype lasers and electro‑optical systems.
• Develop digital control algorithms for frequency stabilized laser systems.
• Perform laboratory measurements. Analyze and present test data.
• Develop and document test and assembly procedures.
• Participate in discussions with collaborators.
• Travel requirements: Occasional (5-10% total) trips to conferences and/or customer site visits.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent degree in relevant field.
• Experience writing technical papers or reports.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience in lasers and electro‑optics.
• Experience with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, frequency counters).
• Experience in FPGA development or digital signal processing techniques.
• Experience in laser spectroscopy and/or frequency stabilization techniques.
• Proficiency in electronic circuits, especially with opto-electronic components such as diode lasers and photodetectors.
• Experience with electro‑optic integration and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming (Python preferred), data analysis, and FPGA development software (e.g., HDL and Vivado).

• Flexible schedule options to support work‑life balance
• 4 Weeks of PTO annually
• 7 Company paid holidays, 1 Floating Holiday
• 401(K) Plan with employer contribution
• Health & Dental Insurance with plan options including employer-paid premium coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer matching available with eligible plans
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

Compliance Notice

This position is subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws, and employment is contingent upon the successful completion of that process as well as the ability to meet eligibility criteria for access to secured or regulated work environments. Vescent Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Employment with Vescent Technologies is at‑will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by applicable law.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail]