Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum

Vector Atomic

$175K — $215K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in atomic, optical, or quantum physics or 12+ years of relevant experience.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required for compliance with export control laws.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Hands-on expertise in atomic clocks and inertial sensors or similar technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems.
  • Integrate, bring up, and optimize sensor technology; analyze relevant data.
  • Simulate atomic sensor performance and examine environmental sensitivities.
  • Deploy and test prototype sensors in real-world environments.

Benefits

  • Platinum-level family health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
  • Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
  • Employer contributions to 401(k) retirement plans.
  • 20 days of paid time off plus 11 paid holidays.
  • Paid parental leave available.
  • Fully stocked kitchen for employee convenience.
Full Job Description
We're hiring driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to play a key role in building ultraprecise quantum devices for autonomous navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on position offers the opportunity to contribute to all stages of development, from concept to deployment. **Requirements** **What You'll Do:** - Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems - Sensor integration, bring-up, and optimization; data analysis - Analyze and simulate of atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities - Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real-world environments **What We're Looking For:** - PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 12+ years of related academic or industry experience - To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees. - Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal. **Hands-on expertise with several of the following:** - Atomic clocks and inertial sensors - Atomic ovens, beams, and/or vapor cells - Laser cooling and trapping - Precision spectroscopy - Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems - Narrow linewidth lasers and laser frequency stabilization - Optics, fiber optics, electro/acousto-optics, detectors - Analog, digital, and RF electronics - Control systems and instrumentation - Mechanical design **Benefits** Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including: - Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision) - Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Employer 401(k) contributions - 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays - Paid parental leave - Fully stocked kitchen **Pay Range** The approximate base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $215,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

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