Research Engineer Photonic Integrated Circuit Development

Salary: $81,000 - $108,000 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 research engineer to join our Research & Development team in Golden, CO. The right candidate will work on state-of-the-art laser and optoelectronic systems with a focus on the development, construction, and testing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum applications. The candidate will be efficient in their work ethic, highly self-motivated, and enthusiastic about laboratory research in an industrial setting.  Approximately 60-80% of the candidate’s time will require on-site tasks with an opportunity for occasional conference travel and collaborator/customer site-visits for hardware deliveries.

Vescent develops and manufactures high-performance electro-optics, tunable lasers, and electronics for precision laser control. Being a recognized leader in laser control systems and centrally located in the Denver area allows for frequent collaborations with nearby academic and private institutes to further Vescent’s product and technology development goals. R&D is a central part of Vescent’s mission, fueling technology innovations that turn into world-class products. The work environment is fun, fast-paced, challenging, and interdisciplinary, involving a high degree of coordination between electrical, mechanical, and optical systems. The Vescent team takes pride in its work, is energetic and agile, and enjoys celebrating milestones.

Responsibilities 

• Design, construct, and test prototype PIC systems, novel lasers, and breadboard electro-optical systems

• Perform laboratory measurements including environmental testing of photonic systems. Analyze and present test data to the broader team.

• Develop assembly and test procedures with the intent of transitioning this information into engineering and production team members. Create documentation and transition to teammates

• Participate in discussions with collaborators.

• Work independently and collaboratively on research projects to help ensure programs stay on time and on budget.

• As part of a highly cross-functional product development team, work closely with other team members to capture product requirements, provide subject matter expertise, analyze designs, troubleshoot prototypes, and perform use case test validation.

• Travel requirements: Occasional (<5% total) trips to conferences, fabrication facilities, and/or customer site visits.

Required Qualifications 

• B.S. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience writing technical papers or reports.

• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated laboratory experience with PICs, laser metrology, and the construction of electro-optic systems.

• Experience with electronics test equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, frequency counters).

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming and data analysis tools (e.g. Python preferred, Matlab acceptable).

Desirable Additional Skills 

• PIC design, fabrication, and/or testing related to nonlinear optics, phase modulation, amplitude modulation, PDH stabilization to on-chip cavities, interferometer designs for optical stabilization, and electro-optical on-chip interfacing.

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming for PIC layout (PHIDL, Ansys, etc.), modelling PIC performance (Ansys, Photon Design, etc), and data analysis (Python preferred) applications.

• Experience with quantum applications (timing, sensing, computing, networking, etc.).

• Experience in the design, fabrication, testing, and/or packaging of laser and photonic sources such as heterogeneous integration of different PIC platforms, semiconductor lasers, and/or fiber lasers.

• Proficiency in designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits, especially with opto-electronic components such as diode lasers and photodetectors.

Benefits 

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.