IonQ

Staff Scientist PIC Laser

Pleasanton, California, United States · Staff+ · Contract

Work authorization required$163k-$214kDetected 9 hours ago

PythonMATLABAWSFinancial ModelingLogisticsElectrical EngineeringControlsCOMSOLCollaboration

About the role

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.

System 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.
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.
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 materials like SiN, TFLN, and Tantala.
Build and characterize conventional systems, including fiber spooling, MOPA configurations, and discrete nonlinear conversion stages.
Develop testing protocols for stabilization architectures, including PDH locking and f-2f self-referencing.

3+ years of professional experience working with ultra-stable cavities, frequency combs, or atomic clocks.
To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
Metrology Expertise: Hands-on experience measuring RIN, frequency noise, and phase noise using Phase Noise Analyzers and high-speed RF equipment.
Nonlinear Optics: Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides.
Fiber & Bulk Optics: Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly.
Experience with supercontinuum generation or SHG in bulk crystals, nonlinear fibers, or integrated waveguides.
Proficiency in fiber fusion splicing (PM/specialty), fiber spooling, and high-tolerance free-space assembly.
Proficiency in simulation suites such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE) or COMSOL for designing waveguides and resonators.
Practical experience with chip-level probing and coupling (edge/grating) specifically for SiN, Thin-Film Lithium Niobate, or Tantala.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automating optical characterization and processing high-bandwidth noise data.

Integrated Photonics Design: Proficiency in simulation suites such as Lumerical (FDTD/MODE) or COMSOL for designing waveguides and resonators.
Frequency Comb Mastery: Deep understanding of mode-locked lasers and fceo- detection and stabilization.
Advanced Materials: Practical experience with chip-level probing and coupling (edge/grating) specifically for SiN, Thin-Film Lithium Niobate, or Tantala.
Control Systems: Strong understanding of PID control loops, high-bandwidth feedback, and low-noise frequency/power controllers.
Scientific Computing: Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automating optical characterization and processing high-bandwidth noise data.
Optical Packaging: Experience with high-efficiency laser-to-chip integration and coupling techniques.
Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance.
Employer 401(k) contributions

In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.
IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $ 163,430 to $213,972 per year.

Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
20 days of paid time off & 11 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:
The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits.
Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific
office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity.

This listing is sourced directly from IonQ's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.