98: Technical Staff Quantum Science and Engineering

Job Description

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, curious, and driven physicist, applied physicist, or electrical engineer with hands-on laboratory experience. The successful candidate will join a close-knit, dynamic team pushing the forefront of quantum sensing, with emphasis on solid-state sensors and their integration into practical systems. As an active participant in cutting-edge research and development, the candidate can expect to face novel physics and engineering problems that require creative solutions daily. This position involves working at the forefront of quantum and solid-state physics to develop sensors and test them in real-world applications.

The candidate will contribute to building and testing sensor prototypes; integrating RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical subsystems; fabricating sensor devices; and assisting in optimizing sensor performance based on application-specific and system-level requirements. In addition, the position will offer the opportunity to pursue new and creative ideas for novel sensor technologies, as well as for novel applications of existing sensors.

Major Responsibilites

Applicants should have a broad skillset and a willingness to work on a wide variety of tasks as needed. Applicants should be willing to engage as both a productive member of a team and a leader of a team as necessary. Typical tasks are:

• Build and fabricate magnetic sensing prototypes
• Hardware development, design, and optimization (e.g. RF/microwave, electronic, mechanical subsystems)
• Laboratory validation and field testing of sensors and systems, including troubleshooting of complex systems and data analysis of recorded results
• System engineering, integration, testing, and measurement
• Physics modeling and simulation of sensor systems
• Communicating results to and determining next steps with a broader team
• Proposing milestones, schedule, and direction to a broader team

While a broad set of skills is desired, the majority of day-to-day tasks will be tailored to the applicant's specific interests and strengths. Applicants should be comfortable both working independently in a self-directed manner and collaborating closely within a highly integrated team. The role also offers opportunities to develop new technical, communication, and program management skills and expand one’s expertise over time.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Substantial hands-on laboratory experience, including troubleshooting of complex systems
• Experience with laboratory measurement and characterization (e.g., analog circuits, impedance analyzers, vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes)
• Strong foundation in fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis
• Experience with both self-directed and collaborative technical projects or research
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in experimental quantum science with a strong track record evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Experimental research experience in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics or with solid-state spin systems Familiarity with magnetometry, magnetic materials, or spin systems
• RF, microwave, and/or analog circuit  measurement or design (e.g. Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS)
• Cleanroom device fabrication experience, including material deposition (sputtering, e-beam) and photolithography
• Scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, LabVIEW, etc.)
• Multiphysics simulation (e.g. COMSOL)