Research Engineer Photonic Integrated Circuit Development

Vescent; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 4 weeks annually

7 company holidays + 1 floating

401(K) Plan with employer contribution

Health & Dental Insurance with options

Health Savings Account with employer-m

Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Vescent Technologies seeks a creative research engineer to join our R&D team in Golden, CO. You will develop, build, and test photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications, with 60‑80% on‑site work. Occasional travel to conferences and customer sites is expected.

The role requires hands‑on lab work, strong communication, and experience with PICs, laser metrology, and electro‑optic systems. A BS in a related field and programming/data analysis skills are essential for success at Vescent

Qualifications

• B.S. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Experience writing technical papers or reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Laboratory experience with PICs, laser metrology, and electro‑optic systems.
• Experience with electronics test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, frequency counters).
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis (Python preferred, Matlab acceptable).
• PIC design, fabrication, testing related to nonlinear optics and related modulation and stabilization techniques.
• Proficiency in PIC layout tools and modelling applications (PHIDL, Ansys, Photon Design).
• Experience with quantum applications (timing, sensing, computing, networking).
• Experience in design, fabrication, testing, and/or packaging of laser/photonic sources.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and test prototype PIC systems, lasers, and breadboard electro‑optical systems.
• Perform laboratory measurements including environmental testing of photonic systems and present results.
• Develop assembly and test procedures and document for production handoff.
• Participate in discussions with collaborators.
• Work independently and with others to keep programs on time and budget.
• Collaborate in a cross‑functional team to capture product requirements and perform validation.
• Travel occasionally to conferences, fabrication facilities, and customer sites (<5%).

Skills

PIC design

Laser metrology

Data analysis

Python programming

Lab troubleshooting

Written communication

Education

B.S. in Physics / Optical / Electrical Engineering

Tools

PHIDL

Ansys

Photon Design

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Salary: $80,000-$120,000 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 research engineer to join our Research & Development team in Golden, CO. The right candidate will work on state-of-the‑art laser and optoelectronic systems with a focus on the development, construction, and testing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum applications. The candidate will be efficient in their work ethic, highly self‑motivated, and enthusiastic about laboratory research in an industrial setting.Approximately 60‑80% of the candidate’s time will require on‑site tasks with an opportunity for occasional conference travel and collaborator/customer site‑visits for hardware deliveries.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and test prototype PIC systems, novel lasers, and breadboard electro‑optical systems.
• Perform laboratory measurements including environmental testing of photonic systems. Analyze and present test data to the broader team.
• Develop assembly and test procedures with the intent of transitioning this information into engineering and production team members. Create documentation and transition to teammates.
• Participate in discussions with collaborators.
• Work independently and collaboratively on research projects to help ensure programs stay on time and on budget.
• As part of a highly cross‑functional product development team, work closely with other team members to capture product requirements, provide subject matter expertise, analyze designs, troubleshoot prototypes, and perform use case test validation.
• Travel requirements: Occasional (<5% total) trips to conferences, fabrication facilities, and/or customer site visits.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience writing technical papers or reports.
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience with PICs, laser metrology, and the construction of electro‑optic systems.
• Experience with electronics test equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, frequency counters).
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming and data analysis tools (e.g. Python preferred, Matlab acceptable).
• PIC design, fabrication, and/or testing related to nonlinear optics, phase modulation, amplitude modulation, PDH stabilization to on‑chip cavities, interferometer designs for optical stabilization, and electro‑optical on‑chip interfacing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming for PIC layout (PHIDL, Ansys, etc.), modelling PIC performance (Ansys, Photon Design, etc), and data analysis (Python preferred) applications.
• Experience with quantum applications (timing, sensing, computing, networking, etc.).
• Experience in the design, fabrication, testing, and/or packaging of laser and photonic sources such as heterogeneous integration of different PIC platforms, semiconductor lasers, and/or fiber lasers.
• Proficiency in designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits, especially with opto‑electronic components such as diode lasers and photodetectors.
• 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]

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