Senior Quantum R&D Engineer (AMO Physics & Electrical Engineering)

About Mesa Quantum:

Mesa Quantum is building the manufacturing backbone of the quantum economy. We specialize

in chip-scale quantum devices—starting with clocks and sensors—that unlock resilient Position,

Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems. Our team combines world-class expertise in AMO

physics, photonics, micro-fabrication, and engineering to transform breakthrough science into

scalable and deployable technology. Backed by top-tier deep-tech investors and the U.S.

Department of Defense, Mesa Quantum is rapidly scaling and actively recruiting exceptional

innovators who want to build the future of quantum technology from the ground up.

About the Role:

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Quantum R&D Engineer to drive the demonstration,

integration, and miniaturization of our chip-scale atomic clock technology into its final

deployable form factor. This role sits at the critical interface between AMO physics and

electrical engineering—you'll take quantum sensing principles and translate them into compact,

robust hardware that operates reliably in the field.

This is a highly hands-on, technical role for someone who thrives on building real systems.

You'll work directly on vapor cells, VCSELs, photodetectors, RF synthesizers, control

electronics, and embedded systems to optimize performance, minimize size and power, and drive

our technology from laboratory demonstrations to production-ready prototypes. If you're

energized by the challenge of making sophisticated physics work in a package the size of a

postage stamp, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Quantum System Integration & Optimization

• Design and characterize CPT-based atomic clock systems, optimizing coherence,

linewidth, contrast, and Allan deviation performance

• Develop physics-based models and run experimental campaigns to understand and

mitigate systematic effects (light shifts, magnetic sensitivity, temperature dependence,

noise coupling)

• Interface with VCSEL suppliers and internal photonics teams to optimize laser

performance for atomic interrogation

• Characterize and optimize photodetector performance, lock-in detection schemes, and

signal processing chains

Electrical Engineering Support & Circuit Integration

• Support the design and debugging of low-noise analog circuits for precision signal

detection and sensor readout

• Assist in the development of RF and microwave subsystems for atomic state control,

including frequency synthesis, PLLs, and modulation electronics

• Characterize electronic noise sources and work with the EE team to implement mitigation

strategies to meet phase noise and stability requirements

• Contribute to power management and thermal control system design for compact, low-

power operation

• Interface between physics requirements and electrical engineering implementation

Control Systems & Firmware Collaboration

• Work with firmware engineers to define and implement real-time control loops for

frequency stabilization and atomic feedback

• Inform the implementation of digital signal processing algorithms for phase/frequency

demodulation, noise filtering, and state estimation

• Collaborate with the embedded systems team on timing control and system

synchronization requirements

• Support the development of data acquisition and analysis pipelines for system

characterization

• Translate physics-based control requirements into technical specifications for firmware

development

Miniaturization & System Demonstration

• Drive integration of optics, electronics, thermal management, and magnetic shielding into

compact form factors

• Execute design-for-manufacturability improvements to transition prototypes toward

scalable production

• Conduct environmental testing (temperature, vibration, shock) to validate performance in

defense and field environments

• Support customer demonstrations, technical reviews, and performance milestone

validation with DoD stakeholders

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with AMO physicists to translate fundamental physics into engineering

requirements

• Partner with electrical engineers to ensure physics requirements are met in circuit and

system design

• Interface with firmware engineers to communicate control loop requirements and signal

processing needs

• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on packaging, thermal design, and system

integration

• Interface with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure component availability and

scalability

• Contribute to technical documentation, test plans, and performance reports

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics (AMO Physics preferred), Electrical Engineering, or closely related

field

• 5 years of hands-on experience with atomic clocks, atomic sensors, or precision

quantum measurements

• Strong foundation in atomic physics, quantum optics, and laser spectroscopy

• Working knowledge of circuit design, PCB layout, and electronic debugging

• Hands-on experience characterizing electronic noise, phase noise, and signal integrity

• Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and system characterization

• Experience integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems into functional

prototypes

• Proficiency with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, lock-in

amplifiers, frequency counters, etc.

• Understanding of signal processing, Fourier analysis, and control theory

• Track record of building and testing hardware systems from concept through

demonstration

• Ability to communicate technical requirements across multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with CPT (Coherent Population Trapping), EIT, or Ramsey-type atomic

clocks

• Familiarity with VCSELs, distributed feedback lasers, or external cavity diode lasers

• Experience with MEMS devices, vapor cells, or atomic physics packages

• Knowledge of magnetic shielding, thermal stabilization, and environmental control for

precision measurements

• Basic familiarity with FPGAs, microcontrollers, and embedded systems (helpful for

interfacing with firmware team)

• Exposure to Verilog, VHDL, or C/C (beneficial for technical communication)

• Familiarity with RF/microwave systems, frequency synthesis, and PLL design

• Experience with DoD or defense-related programs and performance requirements

• Familiarity with chip-scale timing devices, oscillators (OCXO, TCXO), or frequency

standards

• Publications or patents in atomic physics, quantum sensing, or precision instrumentation

Compensation Package:

Benefits

• Top-tier employee and family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)

• Unlimited PTO

• Paid parental leave

• Stock ownership plan

• Additional fringe benefits such as relocation allowance, weekly lunches, gym

memberships, and more

MesaQuantum is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all

backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status,

sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected

by law.

About You:

You're a physicist-engineer who excels at making things work in the real world. You have deep

expertise in atomic physics and precision measurements, and you're comfortable collaborating

across disciplines—whether that's working with electrical engineers on circuit performance,

firmware engineers on control loops, or mechanical engineers on packaging. You thrive on the

challenge of taking sophisticated quantum physics and packaging it into something compact,

robust, and deployable. You're the kind of person who can characterize a noisy photodetector

signal in the morning, optimize a CPT resonance in the afternoon, and work with the embedded

team to refine control algorithms in the evening. Most importantly, you're driven by the mission

of building quantum technology that matters—technology that will protect national security and

enable the next generation of critical infrastructure.