Laser Scientist
Vector Atomic
Summary
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.
Job description
What You'll Do
- System Architecture: Develop custom laser systems from fiber-based oscillators to integrated chip-scale architectures.
- PIC Design & Simulation: Design and simulate PIC layouts optimized for high-Q micro-resonators and dispersion-engineered nonlinear optics using materials like SiN, TFLN, and Tantala.
- Translation & Integration: Architect the migration of frequency combs and low-noise systems from discrete fiber/free-space components to PIC platforms.
- Assembly & Characterization: Build and characterize conventional systems, including fiber spooling, MOPA configurations, and discrete nonlinear conversion stages.
- Precision Metrology: Perform rigorous characterization of frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan deviation at both the benchtop and chip levels.
- Frequency Stabilization: Develop testing protocols for stabilization architectures, including PDH locking and f-2f self-referencing.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware teams to integrate laser systems into atomic clocks and quantum timing sensors.
What We're Looking For
- 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.
- Metrology Expertise: Hands-on experience measuring RIN, frequency noise, and phase noise using Phase Noise Analyzers and high-speed RF equipment.
- Nonlinear Optics: Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides.
- Fiber & Bulk Optics: Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly.
Preferred Qualifications
- Integrated Photonics Design: Proficiency in simulation suites such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE) or COMSOL for designing waveguides and resonators.
- Frequency Comb Mastery: Deep understanding of mode-locked lasers and fceo- detection and stabilization.
- Advanced Materials: Practical experience with chip-level probing and coupling (edge/grating) specifically for SiN, Thin-Film Lithium Niobate, or Tantala.
- Control Systems: Strong understanding of PID control loops, high-bandwidth feedback, and low-noise frequency/power controllers.
- Scientific Computing: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automating optical characterization and processing high-bandwidth noise data.
- Optical Packaging: Experience with high-efficiency laser-to-chip integration and coupling techniques.
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.
- Metrology Expertise: Hands-on experience measuring RIN, frequency noise, and phase noise using Phase Noise Analyzers and high-speed RF equipment.
- Nonlinear Optics: Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides.
- Fiber & Bulk Optics: Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly.
Benefits
- Platinum-level family health coverage
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employer 401(k) contributions
- 20 days PTO
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Fully stocked kitchen
Company overview
Vector Atomic is a pioneering quantum technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California. The company specializes in commercializing quantum technology for real-world applications, with a primary focus on GPS-free navigation, telecommunications, and computing solutions. Vector Atomic develops advanced quantum sensors, atomic clocks, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems that leverage the exquisite properties of quantum systems. Their flagship products include the Evergreen-30, the world's first fully integrated commercial optical clock, and quantum inertial measurement units (IMUs) designed to provide standalone navigation capabilities without reliance on GNSS. The company has secured over $200 million in government contracts and works closely with defense agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency, and DARPA. Vector Atomic's technology delivers precise picosecond timing with 1,000x improvement in GPS accuracy, making their systems deployable and field-validated for space, submarine, and airborne applications. In 2025, the company was acquired by IonQ, bringing over 75 specialized scientists, engineers, and operators to expand IonQ's quantum technology platform.