Staff Scientist – Optical Clock Development

Location Marker IconGolden, CO (On-Site)

Salary: $125,000 - $165,000 based upon education, work experience, and skill

 

About Us

Vescent Technologies is a recognized leader in quantum technologies.  This includes both: i) foundational technologies such as laser frequency control systems, optical frequency combs, electro-optical modules, and feedback control electronics, and ii) complete solutions such as next generation atomic clocks and time distribution, control systems for quantum computers, and deployed quantum sensors. The work environment is fun, fast-paced, challenging, and interdisciplinary. The Vescent team takes pride in its work, is energetic and agile, and enjoys celebrating team successes.

Position Summary

Vescent Technologies seeks a creative and highly driven staff scientist to join the Advanced Technology team in Golden, CO.  The candidate will work on the research and development of commercial optical clock technology for industrial time and frequency applications. The right candidate will be results-oriented, an excellent communicator, and enthusiastic about participating in all stages of technology and product development within an industrial setting. The candidate is expected to independently manage research projects as a principal investigator and help seek new funding opportunities to progress their research. The position will involve collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, production technicians, and sales and marketing personnel to ensure that the realization of prototype technology meets design and manufacturing requirements along with market demands. Approximately 80% of the candidate’s time will require on-site tasks with an opportunity for travel to conferences and customer site-visits. 

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research both both as an individual and as part of a cross-functional product development team. This includes:

      • Conduct trade studies, both in the laboratory and by simulation, of physical systems to determine technical feasibility, parameter optimization, and root cause investigation. 
      • Design, build, test, analyze, and troubleshoot prototype clock and laser technology. 
      • Work closely with a product development team to capture system requirements, provide subject matter expertise, analyze designs, and perform verification and validation testing. 
      • Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior-level team members. 
    • Effectively communicate complex technical ideas, results, and information in both written and oral presentations within the company.
    • Manage research projects to be on time and within budget, including clearly communicating with customers, industry/academic partners, and vendors.
    • Transition assembly and testing of optical systems to production engineers and technicians.
    • Write effective proposals to secure development funding through government, commercial, and internal contracts.

    • Required Qualifications

    • Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent degree in relevant fields. M.S. with > 5 years of industrial experience will also be considered.
    • At least 5 years of experience in the development and experimentation of optical atomic clocks, precision spectroscopy, or frequency-controlled laser systems.
    • Demonstrated understanding of laser frequency stabilization and control theory of electro-optical systems.

    Desirable Additional Skills

    • Time and frequency metrology
    • Narrow linewidth CW laser sources
    • Laser stabilization techniques (e.g. PDH locking and FM spectroscopy)
    • Laser noise analysis
    • Opto-electronic and fiber technology (e.g. electro-optic modulators, acousto-optic modulators, photodetectors)
    • Optical frequency comb technology
    • Techniques in time and frequency transfer
    • Low-noise analog electronics
    • Digital control systems (e.g. high-speed FPGAs)
    • Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming (Python preferred) for data acquisition and analysis

    Benefits

    • Flexible schedule options to support work-life balance
    • 4 weeks of PTO annually
    • 7 Company paid holidays, 1 Floating Holiday
    • 401(K) Plan with employer contribution
    • Health & Dental Insurance with plan options including employer-paid premium coverage
    • Incentive Stock Option
    • Long-Term Disability Insurance

    How to Apply

    Please send your resume with a cover letter to hr@vescent.com. Your cover letter should express how your skills, qualifications, and interests address the job description, and why you want to work at Vescent. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

    Compliance Notice

    This position is subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws, and employment is contingent upon the successful completion of that process as well as the ability to meet eligibility criteria for access to secured or regulated work environments. Vescent Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

    Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Employment with Vescent Technologies is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by applicable law.

    If you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact hr@vescent.com

    Internal candidates are encouraged to apply in accordance with applicable job posting policies.