Senior Photonics Engineer: Quantum Laser Systems Lead

Rydberg Technologies; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rydberg Technologies in Ann Arbor, MI, is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced lasers and photonic systems for atomic quantum technologies.

You will collaborate with a dynamic team of physicists and engineers to design and build photonic devices for quantum sensing, communications, and measurement systems, with emphasis on packaging, alignment, and system performance.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with narrow-linewidth laser development.
• Proficient in Ansys Lumerical, GDSFactory, MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated PIC design, layout, and foundry tapeouts (SiN, SOI).
• Expertise in laser stabilization, bonding/alignment, and thermal‑mechanical design.
• US citizenship or permanent residency may be required.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prototype Development – Lead the end‑to‑end design, simulation, and development of integrated photonic systems and laser subsystems, including waveguides, microrings, couplers, Sagnac mirrors, Bragg structures, and tapers.
• Simulation & Modeling – Perform device‑level and system‑level simulations using Lumerical MODE, FDTD, INTERCONNECT, HEAT/DEVICE, and GDSFactory. Conduct thermo‑optic and electro‑optic analysis and verification.
• Tapeout & Fabrication – Drive tapeout processes with commercial silicon photonics foundries. Manage GDSII layout preparation and validation using PDKs and oversee fabrication runs.
• System Integration – Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to integrate photonic systems into complete atomic and quantum platforms. Ensure stable packaging, alignment, and optical performance.
• Characterization & Testing – Design and execute optical test procedures. Use MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and other tools for real‑time data acquisition, analysis, and iterative design refinement.
• Mentorship & Leadership – Mentor junior engineers and support technicians. Contribute to team skill development and project execution best practices.

Skills

Narrow-linewidth laser development

Photonic system integration

PIC design & integration

Strong communication & collaboration

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics / Optics / Electrical Engineering

Publications or patents (advantage)

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

GDSFactory

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

Job description

Rydberg Technologies in Ann Arbor, MI, is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced lasers and photonic systems for atomic quantum technologies.

You will collaborate with a dynamic team of physicists and engineers to design and build photonic devices for quantum sensing, communications, and measurement systems, with emphasis on packaging, alignment, and system performance.