Staff Scientist PIC Laser

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. With its newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, the company is helping customers—such as Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca—achieve significant performance gains in areas ranging from drug discovery to financial modeling.

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, builds quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. The team includes engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals who solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real‑world solutions.

This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA. Travel up to 5%.

As a PIC Laser Scientist, you will bridge the gap between fundamental optical physics and scalable chip‑scale technology. Your responsibilities include end‑to‑end development of custom laser systems, evolving them from initial concept through system‑level integration, and architecting the transition of high‑precision frequency combs and ultra‑low‑noise systems onto advanced Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) platforms.

• 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 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.

• 3+ years 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.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or certain refugee/asylee status required for export control compliance.
• 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 wave guides.
• Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high‑tolerance free‑space assembly.

• Experience with simulation suites such as Lumerical or COMSOL for designing wave guides and resonators.
• Deep understanding of mode‑locked lasers and fceo detection and stabilization.
• Practical experience with chip‑level probing and coupling (edge/grating) for SiN, TFLN, 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.

• Platinum‑level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off and 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

The approximate base salary range for this position is $163,430 to $213,972 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and benefits. Pay is based on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

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