Laser Scientist

Description About IonQ:
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense.

In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

About Vector Atomic:

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills.

If you're excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

Location:

This is an onsite position in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area)
Requirements What You'll DoSystem 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 For3+ years of professional experience working with ultra-stable cavities, frequency combs, or atomic clocks.

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a…