Senior Quantum R&D Engineer; AMO Physics & Electrical Engineering

About Mesa Quantum:

Mesa Quantum is building the manufacturing backbone of the quantum economy. We specialize in chip-scale quantum devices—starting with clocks and sensors—that unlock resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems. Our team combines world‑class expertise in AMO physics, photonics, micro‑fabrication, and engineering to transform breakthrough science into scalable and deployable technology. Backed by top‑tier deep‑tech investors and the U.S. Department of Defense, Mesa Quantum is rapidly scaling and actively recruiting exceptional innovators who want to build the future of quantum technology from the ground up.

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Quantum R'D Engineer to drive the demonstration, integration, and miniaturization of our chip‑scale atomic clock technology into its final deployable form factor. This role sits at the critical interface between AMO physics and electrical engineering—you'll take quantum sensing principles and translate them into compact, robust hardware that operates reliably in the field.

This is a highly hands‑on, technical role for someone who thrives on building real systems.

You'll work directly on vapor cells, VCSELs, photodetectors, RF synthesizers, control electronics, and embedded systems to optimize performance, minimize size and power, and drive our technology from laboratory demonstrations to production‑ready prototypes. If you're energized by the challenge of making sophisticated physics work in a package the size of a postage stamp, this role is for you.

• Design and characterize CPT‑based atomic clock systems, optimizing coherence, linewidth, contrast, and Allan deviation performance
• Develop physics‑based models and run experimental campaigns to understand and mitigate systematic effects (light shifts, magnetic sensitivity, temperature dependence, noise coupling)
• Interface with VCSEL suppliers and internal photonics teams to optimize laser performance for atomic interrogation
• Characterize and optimize photodetector performance, lock‑in detection schemes, and signal processing chains

• Support the design and debugging of low‑noise analog circuits for precision signal detection and sensor readout
• Assist in the development of RF and microwave subsystems for atomic state control, including frequency synthesis, PLLs, and modulation electronics
• Characterize electronic noise sources and work with the EE team to implement mitigation strategies to meet phase noise and stability requirements
• Contribute to power management and thermal control system design for compact, low‑power operation
• Interface between physics requirements and electrical engineering implementation

• Work with firmware engineers to define and implement real‑time control loops for frequency stabilization and atomic feedback
• Inform the implementation of digital signal processing algorithms for phase/frequency demodulation, noise filtering, and state estimation
• Collaborate with the embedded systems team on timing control and system synchronization requirements
• Support the development of data acquisition and analysis pipelines for system characterization
• Translate physics‑based control requirements into technical specifications for firmware development

• Drive integration of optics, electronics, thermal management, and magnetic shielding into compact form factors
• Execute design‑for‑manufacturability improvements to transition prototypes toward scalable production
• Conduct environmental testing (temperature, vibration, shock) to validate performance in defense and field environments
• Support customer demonstrations, technical reviews, and performance milestone validation with DoD stakeholders

• Work closely with AMO physicists to translate fundamental physics into engineering requirements
• Partner with electrical engineers to ensure physics requirements are met in circuit and system design
• Interface with firmware engineers to communicate control loop requirements and…