Location: Chicago, IL (On Site)

Company: memQ

Position Overview

At memQ, we are building extensible quantum networks that will unlock the real power of quantum computing! Recognized as the leaders in extending and connecting quantum systems at scale, we sit at the dynamic intersection of quantum physics, materials science, photonics, and information systems. Powered by a world-class, diverse team of experts, we foster a high-energy, collaborative environment where our groundbreaking photonic integrated circuits and software deliver the essential scalability solutions quantum systems need today.

We are moving fast with an ambitious hardware portfolio, which includes our quantum network interface controllers (QNIC), quantum memory modules (QMM), quantum control systems (QCS), and our extensible distributed quantum compiler software (xDQC) – and are actively deploying these with industry-leading partners and customers. To drive this next chapter of growth, we are seeking a Cavity Design Engineer to design the optical cavities at the core of memQ’s quantum network interfaces. Cavity quantum electrodynamics (cQED) lets a single optically active qubit emit photons efficiently into a well-defined optical mode, which is key to fast, high-fidelity entanglement between networked quantum processors. You will own the design of cavities for qubits operating in the Lamb-Dicke regime, from mode and mirror coating design to vacuum-compatible mechanical implementation, working hand in hand with our neutral atom scientists, mechanical engineers, and photonic designers to take cavities from simulation to the lab.

Key Responsibilities

• Cavity Design & Simulation: Design optical cavities for cQED, setting geometry, mode waist, finesse, and cooperativity targets using analytical models and numerical tools

• Mirrors & Coatings: Specify mirror substrates and dielectric coatings for target wavelengths, losses, and birefringence, and manage coating and optics vendors from quote through acceptance testing

• Mechanical & Vacuum Integration: Work with mechanical engineers on cavity spacers, piezo tuning, thermal and vibration stability, and UHV compatibility of materials and adhesives

• Stabilization & Characterization: Define cavity locking schemes (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall) and characterization protocols for finesse, linewidth, and polarization mode splitting, and analyze measured data to validate and iterate designs

• System Modeling: Model emitter-cavity performance, including cooperativity, photon extraction efficiency, and photon generation rates, to guide network interface architecture and system trade-offs

Required Qualifications

• Education: MS or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optics, or a related field

• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience designing or building optical cavities or resonators (PhD research counts)

• Technical Skills: Strong background in Gaussian beam optics, cavity mode analysis, and mode matching

• Experience with optical design and simulation tools (Zemax OpticStudio, COMSOL, Lumerical, or similar) and Python for modeling and data analysis

• Hands-on experience with cavity alignment, laser locking, and cavity characterization (ring-down, linewidth, finesse)

• Knowledge: Solid understanding of cavity quantum electrodynamics and light-matter interaction (cooperativity, Purcell enhancement, strong and weak coupling regimes)

Bonus Points

• Experience with cQED experiments using neutral atoms (Rb, Cs, Yb) or other atomic systems

• Experience with fiber Fabry-Pérot cavities, laser-machined, or semiconductor-processed mirror substrates

• Familiarity with dielectric coating design, low-loss optics, and birefringence control

• UHV assembly and bake-out experience

• Familiarity with integrated photonics or nanophotonic cavities

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

• Equity options in a high-growth quantum tech company

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans

• Opportunities for professional development in one of the most innovative fields in technology

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience with optical cavity design and your interest in quantum technologies: hiring@memq.tech