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Quantum Physicist Opto-Atomics Corp. Torrance, CA Job Details Full-time $110,000 - $180,000 a year 17 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Relocation assistance Paid time off Retirement plan Qualifications Technical writing for researchers MATLAB Teamwork System troubleshooting Equipment troubleshooting Development environments Assembly C Electrical Engineering Python Data analysis software Full Job Description 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 Application Question(s): Are you currently authorized to work in the United States? Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship for employment authorization in the United States?

Work Location:

In person