Mesa Quantum Systems
Senior Quantum R&D Engineer (AMO Physics & Electrical Engineering)
Mesa Quantum Systems, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 80301
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.
About the Role: 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.
Key Responsibilities: Quantum System Integration & Optimization
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
Electrical Engineering Support & Circuit Integration
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
Control Systems & Firmware Collaboration
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
Miniaturization & System Demonstration
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
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
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 signal processing needs
Collaborate with mechanical engineers on packaging, thermal design, and system integration
Interface with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure component availability and scalability
Contribute to technical documentation, test plans, and performance reports
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Physics (AMO Physics preferred), Electrical Engineering, or closely related field
5+ years of hands‑on experience with atomic clocks, atomic sensors, or precision quantum measurements
Strong foundation in atomic physics, quantum optics, and laser spectroscopy
Working knowledge of circuit design, PCB layout, and electronic debugging
Hands‑on experience characterizing electronic noise, phase noise, and signal integrity
Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and system characterization
Experience integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems into functional prototypes
Proficiency with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, lock‑in amplifiers, frequency counters, etc.
Understanding of signal processing, Fourier analysis, and control theory
Track record of building and testing hardware systems from concept through demonstration
Ability to communicate technical requirements across multidisciplinary teams
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with CPT (Coherent Population Trapping), EIT, or Ramsey‑type atomic clocks
Familiarity with VCSELs, distributed feedback lasers, or external cavity diode lasers
Experience with MEMS devices, vapor cells, or atomic physics packages
Knowledge of magnetic shielding, thermal stabilization, and environmental control for precision measurements
Basic familiarity with FPGAs, microcontrollers, and embedded systems (helpful for interfacing with firmware team)
Exposure to Verilog, VHDL, or C/C++ (beneficial for technical communication)
Familiarity with RF/microwave systems, frequency synthesis, and PLL design
Experience with DoD or defense‑related programs and performance requirements
Familiarity with chip‑scale timing devices, oscillators (OCXO, TCXO), or frequency standards
Publications or patents in atomic physics, quantum sensing, or precision instrumentation
Compensation Package: Benefits
Top‑tier employee and family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
Unlimited PTO
Paid parental leave
Stock ownership plan
Additional fringe benefits such as relocation allowance, weekly lunches, gym memberships, and more
MesaQuantum is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
About You: You're a physicist‑engineer who excels at making things work in the real world. You have deep expertise in atomic physics and precision measurements, and you're comfortable collaborating across disciplines—whether that's working with electrical engineers on circuit performance, firmware engineers on control loops, or mechanical engineers on packaging. You thrive on the challenge of taking sophisticated quantum physics and packaging it into something compact, robust, and deployable. You're the kind of person who can characterize a noisy photodetector signal in the morning, optimize a CPT resonance in the afternoon, and work with the embedded team to refine control algorithms in the evening. Most importantly, you're driven by the mission of building quantum technology that matters—technology that will protect national security and enable the next generation of critical infrastructure.
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About the Role: 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.
Key Responsibilities: Quantum System Integration & Optimization
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
Electrical Engineering Support & Circuit Integration
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
Control Systems & Firmware Collaboration
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
Miniaturization & System Demonstration
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
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
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 signal processing needs
Collaborate with mechanical engineers on packaging, thermal design, and system integration
Interface with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure component availability and scalability
Contribute to technical documentation, test plans, and performance reports
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Physics (AMO Physics preferred), Electrical Engineering, or closely related field
5+ years of hands‑on experience with atomic clocks, atomic sensors, or precision quantum measurements
Strong foundation in atomic physics, quantum optics, and laser spectroscopy
Working knowledge of circuit design, PCB layout, and electronic debugging
Hands‑on experience characterizing electronic noise, phase noise, and signal integrity
Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and system characterization
Experience integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems into functional prototypes
Proficiency with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, lock‑in amplifiers, frequency counters, etc.
Understanding of signal processing, Fourier analysis, and control theory
Track record of building and testing hardware systems from concept through demonstration
Ability to communicate technical requirements across multidisciplinary teams
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with CPT (Coherent Population Trapping), EIT, or Ramsey‑type atomic clocks
Familiarity with VCSELs, distributed feedback lasers, or external cavity diode lasers
Experience with MEMS devices, vapor cells, or atomic physics packages
Knowledge of magnetic shielding, thermal stabilization, and environmental control for precision measurements
Basic familiarity with FPGAs, microcontrollers, and embedded systems (helpful for interfacing with firmware team)
Exposure to Verilog, VHDL, or C/C++ (beneficial for technical communication)
Familiarity with RF/microwave systems, frequency synthesis, and PLL design
Experience with DoD or defense‑related programs and performance requirements
Familiarity with chip‑scale timing devices, oscillators (OCXO, TCXO), or frequency standards
Publications or patents in atomic physics, quantum sensing, or precision instrumentation
Compensation Package: Benefits
Top‑tier employee and family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
Unlimited PTO
Paid parental leave
Stock ownership plan
Additional fringe benefits such as relocation allowance, weekly lunches, gym memberships, and more
MesaQuantum is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
About You: You're a physicist‑engineer who excels at making things work in the real world. You have deep expertise in atomic physics and precision measurements, and you're comfortable collaborating across disciplines—whether that's working with electrical engineers on circuit performance, firmware engineers on control loops, or mechanical engineers on packaging. You thrive on the challenge of taking sophisticated quantum physics and packaging it into something compact, robust, and deployable. You're the kind of person who can characterize a noisy photodetector signal in the morning, optimize a CPT resonance in the afternoon, and work with the embedded team to refine control algorithms in the evening. Most importantly, you're driven by the mission of building quantum technology that matters—technology that will protect national security and enable the next generation of critical infrastructure.
#J-18808-Ljbffr