Quantum Physicist

About the Company:

Opto-Atomics Corp. is a growing R&D company located in Torrance, California, focused on the development of quantum sensing technologies and the photonic systems that enable them. Our ongoing research and development efforts span atom-based sensing and metrology—including Rydberg-atom sensors and atom interferometers—as well as optical frequency combs, integrated photonics, and related technologies.

As a small team of scientists and engineers, we work on technically challenging problems that span fundamental physics, engineering, and system development. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and goal-oriented work environment where team members can take meaningful ownership of their work.

About the Position:

We are seeking an experienced scientist with a strong background in experimental atomic/optical physics, photonics, or a closely related field.

The successful candidate will play a senior technical role in the development of next-generation quantum sensing and photonic technologies, working closely with a small multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The position will involve both hands-on laboratory work and technical leadership, from developing new concepts and designing experiments to building, testing, and demonstrating integrated prototype systems.

A Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with equivalent advanced industry or laboratory experience will also be considered.

Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly desirable:

(1) Atom-based sensing with atom interferometers, atomic magnetometers, Rydberg-atom sensors, or atomic clocks
(2) Integrated photonics
(3) Levitated nano- or micro-particles
(4) Optical frequency combs

The ideal candidate would be a self-starter with a Ph.D. degree in atomic/optical physics (or a related field) and several years of hands-on laboratory experience.

The new team member will collaborate closely with a small group of scientists/engineers to develop cutting-edge technologies in the emerging field of quantum sensing.

Who We’re Looking For:

· Brings an innovative mindset and understands how to translate scientific ideas into practical, real-world technologies.

· Maintains a high standard of technical rigor and attention to detail, from precise optical alignment and experimental measurements to the development of fully integrated prototype systems.

· Can independently identify technical challenges, develop solutions, and drive experiments or development efforts forward.

· Learns quickly and applies existing knowledge to unfamiliar and multidisciplinary problems.

· Thrives in a dynamic R&D environment, is comfortable wearing multiple hats, and enjoys working closely with scientists and engineers from different technical backgrounds.

· Is highly capable and confident in the laboratory and comfortable working directly with sophisticated scientific equipment.

· Communicates technical ideas clearly and works effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

· Lead and contribute to the development and demonstration of scientific and engineering solutions in Opto-Atomics' core technology areas.

· Design, build, characterize, and troubleshoot experimental systems involving lasers, free-space and fiber optics, RF/microwave components, vacuum systems, control electronics, and data-acquisition hardware.

· Develop experimental concepts and system architectures and translate them into working laboratory prototypes.

· Conduct research independently and collaboratively, including modeling, design, assembly, testing, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.

· Take technical ownership of selected projects or major technical work packages and help guide projects from concept through prototype demonstration.

· Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and make informed engineering and scientific tradeoffs.

· Develop control, data-acquisition, modeling, and analysis software as needed.

· Write and contribute to compelling technical proposals for government agencies and commercial partners.

· Prepare technical reports, presentations, test documentation, and other project deliverables.

· Present results and technical concepts to internal teams, customers, collaborators, and government program representatives.

· Mentor and provide technical guidance to other scientists and engineers as appropriate.

· Maintain thorough experimental records and documentation.

This is a full-time, in-person position based at our Torrance, California facility.

Key Qualifications:

· Ph.D. in experimental atomic/optical physics, applied physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent advanced industry experience.

· Several years of hands-on experimental or product-development experience beyond graduate-level research is strongly preferred.

· Strong laboratory skills and proficiency with scientific instrumentation.

· Experience designing, assembling, aligning, characterizing, and troubleshooting optical or electro-optical systems.

· Proficiency in data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation.

· Strong technical and scientific writing skills.

· Proficiency with one or more scientific programming or development environments such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C/C++, or similar tools.

· Ability to independently solve complex technical problems while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on projects subject to applicable U.S. government and export-control requirements.

Additional Desired Skills:

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

· Design and troubleshooting of electronic and optoelectronic circuits, including diode-laser drivers, photodetectors, control electronics, and related instrumentation

· Laser frequency stabilization, precision spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, or optical frequency conversion

· RF and microwave electronics and measurement techniques

· Vacuum-system design and operation

· Systems integration, prototype development, design modeling, and experimental hardware construction

· Photonic integrated circuit design, fabrication, packaging, and testing

· FPGA development, including Verilog or related tools

· Optical and electromagnetic simulation tools such as Lumerical

· Technical leadership of government-funded R&D programs

· SBIR/STTR, DoD, NASA, DOE, or other government proposal preparation

Compensation:

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $110,000–$180,000, depending on experience, technical background, and qualifications.

Benefits:

· 15+ days of PTO and 12+ days of paid holidays a year.

· Company-sponsored retirement plan.

· Medical/health-related cost reimbursement up to an annual maximum.

· Relocation assistance.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person