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Quantum Sensing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Quantum Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

... quantum sensing applications. The background in AMO laboratory laser systems is beneficial. Your key responsibilities are as follows: * Design, assemble, align, and characterize free-space and fiber ...

Monarch Quantum

Quantum Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

... quantum sensing applications. The background in AMO laboratory laser systems is beneficial. Your key responsibilities are as follows: * Design, assemble, align, and characterize free-space and fiber ...

Monarch Quantum

Quantum Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

... quantum sensing applications. The background in AMO laboratory laser systems is beneficial. Your key responsibilities are as follows: * Design, assemble, align, and characterize free-space and fiber ...

Socket.dev

Associate Firmware Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$107 - $154/hr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ's newest generation of quantum ...

IonQ

Associate Firmware Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ's newest generation of quantum ...

IonQ

Associate Firmware Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Implement control algorithms critical to the operation of high-precision quantum sensing instruments * Develop peripheral drivers for mixed-signal devices, working directly from electronic schematics

Vector Atomic

Associate Engineer - Firmware

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Implement control algorithms critical to the operation of high-precision quantum sensing instruments * Develop peripheral drivers for mixed-signal devices, working directly from electronic schematics

Vector Atomic

Associate Engineer - Firmware

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Implement control algorithms critical to the operation of high-precision quantum sensing instruments * Develop peripheral drivers for mixed-signal devices, working directly from electronic schematics

Vector Atomic

Associate Engineer - Firmware

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Implement control algorithms critical to the operation of high-precision quantum sensing instruments * Develop peripheral drivers for mixed-signal devices, working directly from electronic schematics

IONQ

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ's newest generation of quantum ...

IonQ

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ's newest generation of quantum ...

Raya Workforce

RF/Electronics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience with quantum sensing, NMR/ESR, atomic, or other precision measurement instrumentation. * Familiarity with FPGA-based control systems and the timing constraints of pulsed experiments.

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Quantum Sensing information

What is quantum sensing?

Quantum sensing is a field of technology that utilizes the unique properties of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to measure physical quantities with extremely high precision and sensitivity. These sensors can detect tiny changes in magnetic fields, gravity, temperature, or time, outperforming traditional sensors in many cases. Quantum sensing is being applied in various industries, including navigation, medical imaging, and materials science, to enable new levels of measurement accuracy and capability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quantum sensing engineer?

To thrive as a Quantum Sensing Engineer, you need a solid background in physics or engineering, with expertise in quantum mechanics, signal processing, and experimental techniques, typically supported by an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and experience with quantum measurement systems and data analysis tools are essential. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you innovate and work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for developing, optimizing, and implementing advanced quantum sensing technologies that push the boundaries of measurement precision.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in quantum sensing roles?

Professionals in quantum sensing often encounter challenges such as maintaining the stability and calibration of sensitive quantum devices, dealing with environmental noise that can affect measurements, and translating complex scientific findings into practical solutions. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams—including physicists, engineers, and software developers—is common to address these issues. Staying updated with rapid advancements in quantum technologies is also essential for success and career growth in this evolving field.

What is the difference between Quantum Sensing vs Quantum Hardware Engineer?

AspectQuantum SensingQuantum Hardware Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics or engineering degree, specialized training in quantum technologiesEngineering degree, experience with quantum device fabrication
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industry R&D, field testingLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, R&D centers
Industry UsageSensor development, precision measurement, defense, healthcareQuantum device design, hardware development, prototyping

Quantum Sensing focuses on developing sensors that utilize quantum phenomena for precise measurements, often in research or applied settings. Quantum Hardware Engineers design and build the physical quantum devices and systems. While both roles require knowledge of quantum mechanics and engineering, Quantum Sensing emphasizes sensor application, whereas Quantum Hardware Engineering centers on device construction and hardware integration.

What are popular job titles related to Quantum Sensing jobs in California?

For Quantum Sensing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Quantum Sensing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Quantum Sensing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Quantum Sensing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Quantum Sensing job openings:

Quantum Sensing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Sensing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Quantum Systems Engineer

Monarch Quantum

San Diego, CA • On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Quantum Systems Engineer. 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.
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:
  • Design, assemble, align, and characterize free-space and fiber-coupled laser systems across UV, visible, and NIR wavelengths in support of AMO experiments.
  • Develop laser frequency stabilization and locking schemes - PDH, modulation transfer, saturated absorption, offset locking - and tune servo systems for robust, long-term operation.
  • Architect optical subsystems for beam conditioning, delivery, switching, and control including AOMs, EOMs, isolators, and polarization management.
  • Architect opto-electronic subsystems for frequency up-conversion using various techniques, from single-pass to resonant-cavity with high-speed servo control loops.
  • 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.
  • Specify and procure optical components; evaluate vendors and qualify new hardware against performance requirements.
  • Collaborate daily with AMO physicists and quantum engineers - participate in experimental planning and feed optical system constraints upstream into research decisions.
  • Support laser safety compliance in accordance with IEC 60825-1 and institutional requirements.

Requirements
Please note: 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 and Skills:
    • Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field, with hands-on thesis or postdoctoral work involving AMO laser systems.
    • 2+ years of direct experience building and maintaining laser systems in an AMO laboratory context - atom trapping and cooling, trapped ions, optical clocks, or quantum sensing.
    • Strong proficiency in free-space optical alignment, beam diagnostics, and interferometric techniques.
    • Experience implementing laser frequency stabilization and understanding of the underlying servo and feedback control theory.
    • Familiarity with fiber optics, including coupling, delivery, and power handling.
    • Ability to produce clean, complete engineering documentation alongside laboratory work.
    • Laser safety awareness; comfort working within a formal laser safety program.

Startup Mindset:
  • You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats.
  • You're passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.

This is a laboratory-dominant role. The Quantum Systems Engineer will spend bulk of their time on the bench executing hardware bring-up, alignment, and characterization. Complementary system engineering, design, and analysis responsibilities - including optical layout design, component specification and procurement, and performance analysis - are an integral part of the role and directly inform laboratory work. The position carries full technical ownership of assigned systems and close collaboration with the research teams that depend on them.
Benefits
The expected annual salary range for this position is $165,000-$200,000.
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
  • 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
  • 13 paid company holidays
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Monarch is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

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