Senior Quantum Scientist

Bandelier Technologies is a New Mexico, deep-tech company developing next-generation quantum sensing capabilities, in close partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Our work originates from cutting-edge laboratory research and is transitioning toward system-level development and real-world application.

We are seeking a Senior Quantum Scientist to drive the quantum sensing science across Bandelier's technology portfolio. This role owns the quantum physics layer of our work — from entangled photon coincidence metrology to timing and synchronization integrity for critical infrastructure. You will work directly with LANL inventors, lead experimental development in our Santa Fe lab, and define how Bandelier's quantum sensing capabilities evolve across platforms and programs.

You will be the internal quantum science authority at Bandelier. You will own experimental design and execution, guide the technical roadmap across platforms, and ensure that Bandelier builds quantum sensing systems that are not only scientifically sound but fieldable. This is not a postdoc extension. It is a role for a scientist who is ready to take ownership of experiments, of a technical team, and of the decisions that determine whether a product gets built.

Key Responsibilities

•Lead quantum photonic experimental work to involve: entangled photon source design and characterization, single-photon detector integration, coincidence observable measurement, and multi-dimensional drift fingerprinting across temporal, spatial, and spectral channels

•Work directly with the ML Engineer to ensure the quantum observables being generated are structured to support anomaly classification and timing integrity inference

•Serve as a senior technical voice in company-level strategy, supporting key stakeholder engagement, customer and sponsor discussions, investor diligence, strategic partnerships, product roadmap development, and decisions that shape Bandelier’s long-term technology and commercialization direction

•Evaluate and guide the integration of additional quantum sensing modalities — optical atomic clocks, quantum-enhanced magnetometry, and related technologies — as the company expands

•Provide quantum physics guidance to the broader team on hardware design decisions, proposal writing, and technical representation to government sponsors and program offices

•Contribute to IP development, including provisional patent filings, as new quantum sensing concepts emerge from the lab

•Support recruitment and technical mentorship as the quantum sensing team grows

Required Experience and Education

•PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field with a focus on experimental quantum optics, or quantum sensing

•Hands-on experience building and operating quantum optical systems — squeezed light, entangled photon sources, SPDC, BEC, matter-wave interferometry, or equivalent

•Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments from scratch, not only operate existing apparatus

•Experience generating and characterizing quantum states for sensing or metrology applications

•Track record of translating laboratory results into system-level thinking

•Strong publication record appropriate to career stage

Preferred Experience

•Prior industry experience in a deep-tech, quantum technology, aerospace/defense, photonics, precision instrumentation, or advanced sensing company, especially in roles involving product-oriented R&D, prototype development, or technology transition

•Background spanning multiple quantum sensing platforms — rather than deep specialization in only one

•Experience in or adjacent to national lab environments (NIST, Sandia, LANL, AFRL, or equivalent)

•Familiarity with fiber-based quantum optical systems and deployed quantum networks

•Experience with or interest in defense, dual-use, or government-sponsored R&D

Why Bandelier Technologies

This is a foundational scientific leadership role at a company building quantum sensing systems that need to work outside the lab. You will collaborate directly with LANL inventors on technology that spans quantum photonics and timing integrity, own the experimental direction of multiple workstreams simultaneously, and have meaningful influence over how Bandelier's quantum sensing portfolio develops as the company grows. For a scientist ready to lead rather than support, this is a rare opportunity to build something consequential from the ground up.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.