COL-2026-049 | Experimental Quantum Physicist

Job Description: Experimental Quantum Physicist (Atomic Sensors & Quantum Metrology)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Workplace Type: On-site (Laboratory-based)

Location: Torrance, CA (Greater Los Angeles Area)

Salary Range: $110,000 – $180,000 / year (commensurate with experience & degree level)

Job Summary: We are seeking an innovative and driven Experimental Quantum Physicist to spearhead the laboratory research, design, and hardware development of next-generation atomic and photonic metrology platforms. In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing cutting-edge quantum sensing systems engineered for precision Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) as well as RF electrometry applications. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with deep hands-on experimental proficiency across atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, cold-atom architectures, laser stabilization, or integrated photonic subsystems.

Key Responsibilities: Experimental System Design: Design, build, and optimize benchtop and compact prototype setups for atomic and photonic quantum sensors. Laser & Optical Alignment: Assemble, align, and maintain complex optical trains, narrow-linewidth laser systems, optical frequency combs, and precision fiber-coupling hardware. Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Drive experimental validation across core quantum modalities (e.g., atom interferometry, atomic magnetometers, Rydberg-atom electrometer systems, or chip-scale atomic clocks). Data Acquisition & Analysis: Develop automated test benches and instrumentation control routines for rapid data logging, signal processing, Allan deviation measurements, and noise-floor characterization. Hardware Miniaturization & Packaging: Collaborate on the transition of free-space laboratory setups into ruggedized, compact physics packages and integrated photonic architectures. Technical Documentation: Document experimental methodologies, system architectures, and characterization results in comprehensive technical reports and engineering specifications.

Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Laboratory Tenure: 2+ years of hands-on post-graduate or industry experimental laboratory experience in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics. Core Technical Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on experimental background in at least one of the following domains: Atom-based sensing: Cold/neutral atom systems, atom interferometers, atomic magnetometers, Rydberg-atom sensors, or atomic clocks. Integrated photonics: Waveguide coupling, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) characterization, or hybrid photonic packaging. Levated optomechanics: Precision manipulation and optical trapping of nano- or micro-particles. Optical frequency combs: Comb generation, carrier-envelope offset (CEO) stabilization, and comb-based metrology. Optics & Lasers: Demonstrated proficiency with laser frequency locking (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall, saturated absorption spectroscopy), vacuum systems (UHV), and precision optical alignment.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers, magnetic shielding design, or RF/microwave electronics for atomic state preparation and interrogation. Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for instrument automation, PID loop tuning, and experimental data acquisition. Experience transitioning laboratory-scale quantum physics apparatus into deployable, SWaP-optimized (Size, Weight, and Power) prototypes.

Base Salary: $110,000 – $180,000 / year Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage

Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and company-paid holidays

Standardized Title: Experimental Physicist / Quantum Physicist Alternative Matching Titles: Quantum Optics Scientist, Atomic Physicist, Photonics Research Scientist, AMO Physicist

City: Torrance

State: California (CA)

Postal Code: 90504 (or San Pedro, CA 90731)

Country: United States

Industry: Defense & Space / R&D / Nanotechnology & Quantum Tech