Barrington James
Senior Quantum R&D Engineer
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Quantum R&D Engineer to drive the development, integration, and miniaturization of cutting‑edge chip‑scale atomic clock technology. This critical role sits at the intersection of atomic physics and electrical engineering, where you will translate quantum sensing principles into robust, compact, and deployable hardware. You'll be working on sophisticated systems involving vapor cells, VCSELs, photodetectors, RF synthesizers, control electronics, and embedded systems. Your work will directly impact the future of quantum sensing, positioning technology, and timing systems.
This is a highly hands‑on, technical role, ideal for someone who thrives on taking innovative physics concepts and transforming them into fully functional, scalable systems. If you’re passionate about miniaturizing quantum technologies and turning complex scientific principles into real‑world, deployable solutions, this role is for you!
Key Responsibilities
Design and characterize CPT‑based atomic clock systems, optimizing coherence, linewidth, contrast, and Allan deviation performance.
Develop physics‑based models and conduct experiments to understand and mitigate systematic effects such as light shifts, magnetic sensitivity, and temperature dependence.
Interface with laser system suppliers to optimize VCSEL performance for atomic interrogation.
Characterize photodetector performance and optimize signal processing chains for accurate atomic state detection.
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/microwave subsystems for atomic state control, including frequency synthesis, PLLs, and modulation electronics.
Identify and mitigate electronic noise sources to meet phase noise and stability requirements.
Contribute to power management and thermal control design for low‑power, compact operations.
Work with firmware engineers to define and implement real‑time control loops for frequency stabilization and atomic feedback.
Contribute to the development of digital signal processing algorithms for phase/frequency demodulation and noise filtering.
Collaborate with embedded systems teams on timing control and system synchronization requirements.
Integrate optics, electronics, thermal management, and magnetic shielding into compact, deployable form factors.
Drive design‑for‑manufacturability improvements to transition prototypes to scalable production.
Conduct environmental testing (temperature, vibration, shock) to validate system performance in real‑world conditions.
Support customer demonstrations and performance milestone validation with stakeholders.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with physicists to translate fundamental physics into engineering solutions.
Work with electrical engineers to ensure circuit design aligns with physics requirements.
Interface with mechanical engineers on packaging, thermal design, and system integration.
Coordinate with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure component availability and scalability.
Requirements
Ph.D. in Physics (AMO Physics preferred), Electrical Engineering, or a 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.
Proficiency in circuit design, PCB layout, and electronic debugging.
Hands‑on experience in characterizing electronic noise, phase noise, and signal integrity.
Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and system characterization.
Experience in integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems into functional prototypes.
Proficiency with lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and lock‑in amplifiers.
Experience with signal processing, Fourier analysis, and control theory.
A proven track record of building and testing hardware systems from concept through demonstration.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CPT, 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.
About You You are a physicist‑engineer who excels at making complex quantum physics work in the real world. You have deep expertise in atomic physics, quantum optics, and precision measurements, and you thrive in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. Whether you are optimizing laser systems, refining signal processing algorithms, or integrating compact electronics, you are driven by the challenge of creating technology that will impact critical infrastructure. If you are passionate about building quantum technologies that will support national security and enable the next generation of precision sensing systems, we want to hear from you!
Location: Boulder, CO
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This is a highly hands‑on, technical role, ideal for someone who thrives on taking innovative physics concepts and transforming them into fully functional, scalable systems. If you’re passionate about miniaturizing quantum technologies and turning complex scientific principles into real‑world, deployable solutions, this role is for you!
Key Responsibilities
Design and characterize CPT‑based atomic clock systems, optimizing coherence, linewidth, contrast, and Allan deviation performance.
Develop physics‑based models and conduct experiments to understand and mitigate systematic effects such as light shifts, magnetic sensitivity, and temperature dependence.
Interface with laser system suppliers to optimize VCSEL performance for atomic interrogation.
Characterize photodetector performance and optimize signal processing chains for accurate atomic state detection.
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/microwave subsystems for atomic state control, including frequency synthesis, PLLs, and modulation electronics.
Identify and mitigate electronic noise sources to meet phase noise and stability requirements.
Contribute to power management and thermal control design for low‑power, compact operations.
Work with firmware engineers to define and implement real‑time control loops for frequency stabilization and atomic feedback.
Contribute to the development of digital signal processing algorithms for phase/frequency demodulation and noise filtering.
Collaborate with embedded systems teams on timing control and system synchronization requirements.
Integrate optics, electronics, thermal management, and magnetic shielding into compact, deployable form factors.
Drive design‑for‑manufacturability improvements to transition prototypes to scalable production.
Conduct environmental testing (temperature, vibration, shock) to validate system performance in real‑world conditions.
Support customer demonstrations and performance milestone validation with stakeholders.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with physicists to translate fundamental physics into engineering solutions.
Work with electrical engineers to ensure circuit design aligns with physics requirements.
Interface with mechanical engineers on packaging, thermal design, and system integration.
Coordinate with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure component availability and scalability.
Requirements
Ph.D. in Physics (AMO Physics preferred), Electrical Engineering, or a 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.
Proficiency in circuit design, PCB layout, and electronic debugging.
Hands‑on experience in characterizing electronic noise, phase noise, and signal integrity.
Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and system characterization.
Experience in integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems into functional prototypes.
Proficiency with lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and lock‑in amplifiers.
Experience with signal processing, Fourier analysis, and control theory.
A proven track record of building and testing hardware systems from concept through demonstration.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CPT, 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.
About You You are a physicist‑engineer who excels at making complex quantum physics work in the real world. You have deep expertise in atomic physics, quantum optics, and precision measurements, and you thrive in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. Whether you are optimizing laser systems, refining signal processing algorithms, or integrating compact electronics, you are driven by the challenge of creating technology that will impact critical infrastructure. If you are passionate about building quantum technologies that will support national security and enable the next generation of precision sensing systems, we want to hear from you!
Location: Boulder, CO
#J-18808-Ljbffr