Senior Laser Physicist

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms.

Infleqtion (ColdQuanta) is the world leader in cold atom technology and Quantum Computing business unit is developing the world's first universal, gate-model quantum computer using cold atoms. Quantum computing is a novel computing modality that uses the bizarre properties of quantum mechanics to process information in a fundamentally new way. As Nobel laureate Bill Phillips is ascribed to have said – quantum computing is as different from classical computing as a supercomputer is from an abacus. Quantum computers have the potential to radically alter the nature of information processing, and Infleqtion is using cold atoms and lasers to unlock this revolutionary power. Come help us lead the revolution!

Our passionate and dedicated team would like to hear from experimental physicists with a practical expertise in laser physics: linewidth narrowing techniques, laser characterization, high-finesse cavities. We are looking for self-motivated, energetic individuals with exceptional problem-solving and technical skills to join our quantum computing team. Physicists who additionally have experience with Rydberg atoms, cold and ultracold atoms, and/or ion trapping are strongly encouraged to apply.

LOCATION

ColdQuanta has 5 office locations, operating out of Boulder, CO; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; London, UK; and Melbourne, AU. This position is a full-time position located in our Boulder, CO office.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President, Quantum Computing, the Senior Laser Physicist will collaborate on current research projects and support development of new concepts and approaches for future investigations. The newly hired laser physicist will work independently and be self-directed, all the while working in a team-oriented and collaborative environment with a team of fellow physicists, engineers, and technicians.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with fellow physicists, engineers, and technicians to build, operate, and characterize laser systems required by neutral atom-based quantum computers
• Participate in and/or lead research and development projects for laser systems, laser frequency stabilization, and future quantum processing units
• Create, test, and validate mathematical models of laser behavior and use results to inform system design
• Contribute to and maintain technical documentation
• Teach and supervise junior team members
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; High preference for candidates with 2+ years of academia/industry experience post PhD
• Demonstrated experience integrating complex hardware and software into systems
• Demonstrated experience with laser systems, electro-optics, acousto-optics, and optical waveguides
• Demonstrated experience with linewidth-narrowing PDH locking of fiber lasers, Ti:S lasers, and/or diode lasers to high-finesse optical cavities
• Demonstrated experience with laser phase noise characterization (e.g. beta separation linewidth measurement)
• Professional level verbal and written communication skills, including presentation of technical and scientific results
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly
• Demonstrated ability to sufficiently learn the technical details of quantum hardware development to be able to coordinate resources across projects
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with all levels of an organization; Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills (including scientific/technical)
• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment
• Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment
• Leadership qualities and s