Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. This role leads the design and drives the development of Light Engines systems. This is a technical leadership role, with complementary system engineering, design, and analysis responsibilities that directly support and inform experimental work. The successful candidate will take end-to-end ownership of complex optical systems while working closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers designing light engines for neutral atom, trapped ion, and quantum sensing applications. The background in AMO laboratory laser systems is beneficial. Your key responsibilities are as follows: Provide technical leadership and system-level direction on the architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies. Define and guide the development of core photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization, narrow linewidth sources, and low-noise electronic control systems. Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and exceptional reliability through rigorous design, modeling, and experimental validation. Collaborate closely with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers Provide technical expertise for the development and maintenance of system-level requirements, specifications, and performance validation protocols. Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. Contribute to strategic technology roadmaps and partner with leadership to align technical development with business goals. Architect optical subsystems for beam conditioning, delivery, switching, and control including AOMs, EOMs, isolators, and polarization management. Translate experimental requirements from physics teams into optical system specifications and engineering designs. Produce and maintain clear engineering documentation: optical layouts, alignment and checkout procedures, component specifications, and characterization reports. Support laser safety compliance in accordance with IEC 60825-1 and institutional requirements. Requirements This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Experience: Ph.D. (or M.S. with 10+ years of experience) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field, with hands-on thesis or postdoctoral work involving AMO or ultrafast laser systems. Direct experience building and maintaining laser systems, preferably in an AMO laboratory context —…