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Infleqtion · 15 hours ago

Senior Laser & Nonlinear Photonics Engineer

Louisville, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

Infleqtion is commercializing quantum technology, building deployable systems where photonics is the engine for performance, scale, and reliability. The Senior Laser & Nonlinear Photonics Engineer will lead and execute system-level photonics experiments, focusing on laser sources and nonlinear optics modules, while taking end-to-end ownership of experimental development.

ElectronicsManufacturingMechanical DesignMechanical EngineeringQuantum Computing

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Architect, build, and validate laser and nonlinear photonics subsystems that meet demanding specs (linewidth, frequency noise, RIN, power, stability, efficiency, SWaP, reliability)

Develop and run system-level experiments: optical bench builds, fiber-based architectures, free-space coupling, high-speed modulation, and precision frequency control

Implement stabilization and control: frequency locks, servo design, modulation/demodulation schemes, and long-term drift mitigation

Create robust measurement pipelines (automation, calibration, data analysis) to accelerate iteration and improve reproducibility

Translate experimental learnings into engineering requirements for packaging, manufacturability, and productization; collaborate closely with PIC designers, electronics, packaging, and manufacturing partners

Qualification

Laser systems developmentNonlinear optics experienceOptical instrumentationExperimental designScientific programmingDocumentation skillsCommunication skills

Required

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)

[5]+ years of hands-on experience building and characterizing laser systems and/or nonlinear photonics experiments with demonstrated outcomes (prototypes delivered, performance records, or deployed systems)

Deep practical experience with optical instrumentation and lab execution (OSA, ESA, RF sources, high-speed photodiodes, wavemeters, interferometers, power meters, polarization control, low-noise detection)

Experience measuring and improving laser performance metrics (e.g., linewidth estimation, frequency noise/phase noise, RIN, drift, mode hops) and diagnosing failure modes

Comfort designing experiments that mix optics + RF + controls (AOM/EOM modulation, photodetection, servo loops, timing/synchronization)

Strong documentation and communication skills; ability to drive cross-functional alignment and make clear technical tradeoffs

Preferred

Nonlinear optics/photonics experience in one or more of: SHG/SFG/DFG, OPO/OPG, PPLN/PPLT (bulk or waveguide), microresonator/Kerr combs, supercontinuum, or parametric amplification

Experience with narrow-linewidth diode lasers, fiber lasers, solid-state lasers, external-cavity designs, and/or integrated/hybrid laser architectures

Familiarity with photonic integration constraints and how system requirements map into PIC designs (thermal sensitivity, coupling losses, reflections, backscatter, isolation)

Experience transitioning lab builds toward ruggedized/packaged systems (alignment tolerancing, thermal design, vibration sensitivity, reliability test plans)

Scientific programming for automation/analysis (Python, LabVIEW) and version control best practices

Experience in atomic/quantum physics experiments (laser cooling, spectroscopy, frequency references) or similar precision photonics domains