Senior Quantum Photonics Engineer

Quantum Network Technologies, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Unlimited PTO

Employee support

Job summary

Qunett in Boston is seeking a Photonics Engineer to design, assemble, and characterize low-noise quantum frequency conversion modules for qubit exchange between telecom and visible wavelengths. This hands-on role focuses on nonlinear optics and integration with photonics platforms.

You will work with diamond-based quantum devices, SPDC sources, and fiber/free-space setups, shaping hardware and test methodologies in a ground-floor startup environment that aims to scale quantum networking

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optics, EE, or MS with equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with nonlinear optics and quantum optics in laboratory settings.
• Extensive experience with spectroscopic-grade laser systems (alignment, safety, stabilization).
• Experience building and troubleshooting optical setups: free-space and fiber coupling, ABCD matrix analysis, 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 (Zemax/OpticStudio) 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).

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and characterize low-noise, phase-coherent quantum frequency conversion modules.
• Develop free-space and integrated photonics approaches.
• Collaborate on entangled photon sources and qubit exchange between telecom and visible wavelengths.
• Perform optical alignment, testing, and iteration of optical layouts.
• Document procedures and results to enable reproducibility.

Skills

Nonlinear optics

Quantum optics

Python

Experiment control

Education

PhD in Physics/Optics/EE

MS with equivalent experience

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

Python for analysis

Job description

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 low-noise, phase-coherent, quantum frequency conversion modules for qubit exchange between telecom and visible wavelengths. Efficient methods of bandwidth exchange between broadband photons from SPDC and narrowband light appropriate for color-center qubits will be essential. Free-space implementation and/or integrated photonics approaches are envisioned. This role will focus on nonlinear optics and quantum frequency conversion within the broader photonics efforts at Qunett.

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)
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
• 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