Scientific Glassblower
Vector Atomic
Summary
We are actively seeking versatile scientific glass blowers to build vapor cells for ultra-precise quantum devices for timekeeping and magnetic sensing in autonomous/GPS-free navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This is a jack-of-all-trades role demanding a skilled and flexible candidate ready to thrive in a dynamic R&D environment.
Job description
What You’ll Do
- Scientific glass blowing, quartz and borosilicate
- Surface polishing and frit bonding
- Vacuum system build and maintenance
What We're Looking For
- 2-5 years of experience as a professional scientific glass blower
- 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.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
Hands-on experience with several of the following:
- Building scientific glassware
- Optical polishing
- Frit bonding
- Advanced optical bonding techniques
- Vacuum systems
- Mechanical design
- Surface chemistry
- Optical coatings
- Vapor cells for spectroscopy
- Laser spectroscopy
Requirements
- 2-5 years of experience as a professional scientific glass blower
- 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.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
- Hands-on experience with several of the following: Building scientific glassware, Optical polishing, Frit bonding, Advanced optical bonding techniques, Vacuum systems, Mechanical design, Surface chemistry, Optical coatings, Vapor cells for spectroscopy, Laser spectroscopy
Benefits
- Platinum-level family health coverage
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Health FSA
- Dependent Care FSA
- 401(k) Employer 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.