Staff Scientist

Vescent; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 145,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 4 weeks

Holidays

401(k)

Health insurance

HSA matching

Long-term disability

Job summary

Vescent Technologies in Golden, CO is seeking a Staff Scientist to lead PIC development for laser stabilization and photonic systems. You will drive design, testing, and packaging of PICs, while managing projects and pursuing new funding opportunities.

Expertise in nonlinear optics, ultrafast lasers, and PIC integration is essential. The role combines hands-on laboratory research with collaboration across engineering and product teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics/optics/electrical engineering or related field; M.S. with >5 years industrial experience considered.
• 5+ years hands-on optics/laser research with PIC design, modelling and testing.
• Strong expertise in nonlinear optics and ultrafast laser systems.
• Proficiency in Python, data analysis, and physical simulations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, model, design, assemble, layout, and test PICs for laser stabilization and nonlinear optics.
• Develop packaging methods for efficient light coupling to PICs.
• Lead in-lab research and manage projects as PI, with funding pursuits.
• Mentor staff in lab methods, data analysis, and reporting.
• Write proposals to secure development funding from government and industry.
• Coordinate cross-functional product development and transition to production.
• Travel occasionally for conferences and customer site visits.

Skills

PIC design

Nonlinear optics

Ultrafast lasers

Python

Data analysis

Experiment design

Proposal writing

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Physics/Optics/EE

Tools

Nonlinear waveguide software

Job description

Staff Scientist - Photonic Integrated Circuit Development (PIC)

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: $145,000 - $190,000 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 laser scientist 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). The candidate will be efficient in their work ethic, highly self-motivated, and enthusiastic about laboratory research in an industrial setting. The candidate will manage research projects as a principal investigator and seek new funding opportunities for next-generation research and development to complement and enhance Vescent's existing product lines. Approximately 60-80% of the candidate’s time will require on-site tasks with an opportunity for travel to conferences and customer site-visits.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, model, design, assemble, layout, and test photonic integrated circuits (PICs) forapplications in laser stabilization and nonlinear optics.
• Develop packaging methods for efficiently coupling light into and out of PICs.
• Conduct in-laboratory research (estimated 25-50% of candidates time on a monthly basis).
• Mentor and train research staff in best practices for laboratory methods, data analysis, and presentation/report-writing.
• Write winning proposals to secure development funding via government and commercial contracts.
• Manage contract research projects to be on time and within budget, including effective communication with customers, industry/academic partners, and vendors.
• 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.
• Transition assembly and testing of prototype development systems to production/process engineers and technicians as needed.
• Travel requirements: Occasional (5-10% total) trips to conferences, fabrication facilities, and/or customer site visits.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent degree in relevant field. M.S's with >5 years of industrial experience will also be considered.
• At least 5 years performing hands-on research in an optics/laser laboratory with direct experience in designing, modelling, and testing PICs.
• Expertise in nonlinear optics and pulse propagation using ultrafast laser systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming (Python preferred), data analysis tools, and physical simulations including nonlinear waveguide propagation software.
• Demonstrated technical writing experience including providing relevant writing samples (peer-reviewed publications are acceptable).
• PIC expertise related to nonlinear optics, phase modulation, amplitude modulation, on-chip optical frequency references for laser stabilization, and electro-optical on-chip interfacing.
• Packaging of PICs with micro-optics, optical fibers, other PIC platforms, and laser sources.
• Demonstrated understanding of laser frequency stabilization and servo feedback control of electro-optical systems, including characterization and analysis of laser phase/frequency noise properties.
• 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.