Laser Scientist

Vector Atomic•Pleasanton, CA

About The Position

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you. As a PIC Laser Scientist, you will bridge the gap between fundamental optical physics and scalable chip-scale technology. You will be responsible for the end-to-end development of custom laser systems, evolving them from initial concept through system-level integration. Your work will primarily focus on architecting the transition of high-precision frequency combs and ultra-low-noise systems from traditional discrete components to advanced Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) platforms. By combining hands-on benchtop metrology with sophisticated chip-level simulation, you will drive the innovation of laser architectures for next-generation quantum timing, atomic clocks, and inertial sensors.

Requirements

3+ years of professional experience working with ultra-stable cavities, frequency combs, or atomic clocks.
PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on atomic/optical physics, frequency metrology, or integrated photonics.
To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
Hands-on experience measuring RIN, frequency noise, and phase noise using Phase Noise Analyzers and high-speed RF equipment.
Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides.
Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in simulation suites such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE) or COMSOL for designing waveguides and resonators.
Deep understanding of mode-locked lasers and fceo- detection and stabilization.
Practical experience with chip-level probing and coupling (edge/grating) specifically for SiN, Thin-Film Lithium Niobate, or Tantala.
Strong understanding of PID control loops, high-bandwidth feedback, and low-noise frequency/power controllers.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automating optical characterization and processing high-bandwidth noise data.
Experience with high-efficiency laser-to-chip integration and coupling techniques.

Responsibilities

Develop custom laser systems from fiber-based oscillators to integrated chip-scale architectures.
Design and simulate PIC layouts optimized for high-Q micro-resonators and dispersion-engineered nonlinear optics using materials like SiN, TFLN, and Tantala.
Architect the migration of frequency combs and low-noise systems from discrete fiber/free-space components to PIC platforms.
Build and characterize conventional systems, including fiber spooling, MOPA configurations, and discrete nonlinear conversion stages.
Perform rigorous characterization of frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan deviation at both the benchtop and chip levels.
Develop testing protocols for stabilization architectures, including PDH locking and f-2f self-referencing.
Partner with hardware teams to integrate laser systems into atomic clocks and quantum timing sensors.