1

Interferometry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Conduct research in optical transport and long-interrogation-time atom interferometry, and develop models that align theory with experimental results and project performance in microgravity.

Conduct research in optical transport and long-interrogation-time atom interferometry, and develop models that align theory with experimental results and project performance in microgravity.

Conduct research in optical transport and long-interrogation-time atom interferometry, and develop models that align theory with experimental results and project performance in microgravity.

These can take inspiration from techniques in tomography, interferometry, radargrammetry, as well as computer vision algorithms. * Work closely with the rest of the software team to implement and ...

These can take inspiration from techniques in tomography, interferometry, radargrammetry, as well as computer vision algorithms. * Work closely with the rest of the software team to implement and ...

These can take inspiration from techniques in tomography, interferometry, radargrammetry, as well as computer vision algorithms. * Work closely with the rest of the software team to implement and ...

Performing metrology on printed substrates including contact profilometry, white light interferometry, reflectometry, confocal laser microscopy, optical microscopy and color measurement via ...

This includes Thomson scattering, Faraday rotation, interferometry, polarimetry, and other coherent or incoherent laser techniques. Ensures the precision and reliability of laser diagnostics while ...

Senior Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$134K - $165K/yr

Comprehensive knowledge of optical design, analysis, and testing for interferometry. * Experience directly using scientific observation and analysis, creative thinking, and method development to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Interferometry information

See California salary details

$77.5K

$127.5K

$188K

How much do interferometry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for interferometry in California is $127,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in interferometry?

To thrive in Interferometry, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, often supported by a relevant degree in physics, engineering, or a related discipline. Experience with lasers, optical components, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or LabVIEW), and familiarity with precision measurement instrumentation are essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork abilities help you excel in experimental setups and collaborative research environments. These skills ensure accurate measurements, innovative solutions, and effective contributions to scientific or industrial projects involving interferometric techniques.

What is interferometry?

An interferometry job involves using and developing techniques that measure wave interference patterns to analyze physical properties such as distance, shape, or surface irregularities. Professionals in this field work in industries like astronomy, engineering, and telecommunications to improve precision measurements. They may design optical systems, calibrate instruments, or interpret data from interferometric experiments. Strong skills in physics, optics, and computational analysis are typically required.

What does someone working in interferometry do?

Professionals in Interferometry typically spend their days designing and setting up experimental apparatus, calibrating and troubleshooting optical equipment, collecting high-precision measurement data, and analyzing results using specialized software. They often work closely with scientists, engineers, and technical staff to develop or improve optical measurement systems for applications in research, manufacturing, or quality control. Documentation of experiments, preparing reports, and occasionally presenting findings to stakeholders or at conferences are also common tasks. A role in Interferometry is dynamic and intellectually stimulating, blending hands-on technical work with analytical problem-solving.

What job categories do people searching Interferometry jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Interferometry jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Interferometry job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,526 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Intensity Interferometry

Carnegie Science

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description
Carnegie Science invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to work with Nick Konidaris on the Sephira Intensity Interferometer Array. Sephira is a new telescope and intensity-interferometry array being built at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Sephira will be used as a testbed; our initial science goals include studying binary stars.
We are looking for a scientist-builder who wants to help define what intensity interferometry can become. Relevant experience or interests may include optical instrumentation, SPAD arrays and photon-counting detectors, digital correlation, signal processing, image reconstruction, or astronomical applications of intensity interferometry. Prior experience with intensity interferometry is not required.
The successful candidate will have substantial freedom to pursue fundamental research involving the hardware, software, methodology, or scientific uses of intensity interferometry. Our team is small right now, giving the postdoctoral scholar opportunities to develop new capabilities and take ownership of major parts of the effort. Our team is also working on new infrared spectrographs (Henrietta and MIRMOS), and we welcome ways to couple those instruments to the Sephira array.
Start Date/Duration
  • We prefer to start as soon as possible. We anticipate conducting a separate search for an additional postdoctoral scholar beginning in early 2027.
  • The position includes two years of guaranteed funding, with the possibility of renewal for a third year.
Research Environment
The postdoctoral scholar will have access to a broad range of Carnegie resources, including the Swope and Magellan telescopes, SDSS-V data and collaborations, high-performance computing, and a dedicated research budget. The scholar may also spend substantial time at the Weizmann Institute and participate fully in the research community there.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive before beginning the appointment, a Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, engineering, or a closely related field.
Application Instructions
Intensity interferometry remains a specialized field, and we do not expect every applicant to arrive with all of the relevant skills. We welcome applicants entering from adjacent areas of astronomy, physics, engineering, computation, or instrumentation. Candidates making such a transition should use their cover letter to explain what draws them to the field and how their existing experience could contribute to the project.
Please submit:
  • A cover letter
  • A statement of research interests
  • A curriculum vitae
  • The names and email addresses of potential references

References will be contacted only after an initial review of the application materials.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Carnegie Institution for Science has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.