Research Engineer – Laser System Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

4 Weeks PTO annually

401(K) with employer contribution

Health & Dental Insurance

Health Savings Account with employer-m

Incentive Stock Option

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Vescent Technologies, Inc. in Golden, CO is seeking a Research Engineer to develop and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art laser and opto‑electronic technology for future product integration. You will prototype frequency‑controlled laser solutions and help advance digital control algorithms for adaptive quantum applications.

The role is hands‑on and lab‑focused, with collaboration across engineering, production, and sales. On‑site work is required, with opportunities for travel and growth.

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
• 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
• Incentive Stock Option
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Relocation Assistance

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.

Skills

Lab experience

FPGA development

Digital signal processing

Laser spectroscopy

Frequency stabilization

Python programming

Data analysis

HDL (Vivado)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Physics, Optical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Frequency counters

HDL

Vivado

Job description

Research Engineer – Laser System Development

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, controlsystems 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
• 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
• Incentive Stock Option
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Relocation Assistance

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.

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. 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]

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply in accordance with applicable job posting policies.