Applied Quantum Researcher

Altair Engineering, Inc.•Troy, MI

About The Position

Transforming the Future with Convergence of Simulation and Data Applied Quantum Researcher Job Summary: Our client in Ann Arbor, MI is looking for an Applied Quantum Researcher. This is a contract position. What You Will Do: Design and implement quantum photonic devices and components, especially related to quantum communication, single photon generation, entanglement, and low count measurement techniques. Design assembly of components into subsystems. Conduct research on quantum information and quantum communication techniques such as squeezed light, quantum interference, and mode decomposition. Investigate novel methodologies for applied quantum techniques outside of information applications. Design and execute rigorous experiments to characterize quantum photonics devices and components under various environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, magnetic fields) to ensure robustness. Contribute to efforts to establish quantum information test bench, including the development of standardized calibration and automated measurement system. Develop and test single photon sources and implementation into larger systems. Optimize system performance while maintaining quantum state. Ability to work within and contribute to cross-disciplinary research teams with key deliverables including prototypes, intellectual property, and publications (an active interest in publishing is highly desirable). Willingness to participate in, support, and contribute to work-place safety culture and activities. Basics: Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field. Quantum Systems: Deep understanding of entanglement, mode decomposition, nonlinear generation of states and spin physics. Optical Systems: Proficiency in laser systems, optical design, precision coupling, free-space alignment, and photon detection. Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with chip-scale photonics testing, precision fiber alignment, instrument coordination/synchronization, and rigorous data validation. Programming: Strong skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysis and instrument control. Scientific Writing: Clear communication of results to internal research teams using graphs, mathematics, etc. Preferred: Simulation & Design: Background in integrated photonics design and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, CST). Electronics: Familiarity with high-speed electronics design, PCB layout, and optoelectronic packaging. Fabrication: Experience with nanofabrication techniques (e-beam lithography, etching). How You Will Be Successful: Envision the Future Communicate Honestly and Broadly Seek Technology and Business “First” Embrace Diversity and Take Risks What We Offer: Competitive Salary Comprehensive Benefit Package 401(k) with matching contributions Paid Time Off Employee Discounts Free training on all Altair products Why Work with Us: Altair is a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions in the areas of data analytics, product development, and high-performance computing (HPC). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world, while creating a more sustainable future. With more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers in 25 countries, we help solve our customer’s toughest challenges and deliver unparalleled service, helping the innovators innovate, drive better decisions, and turn today’s problems into tomorrow’s opportunities. Our vision is to transform customer decision making with data analytics, simulation, and high-performance computing. For more than 30 years, we have been helping our customers integrate electronics and controls with mechanical design to expand product value, develop AI, simulation and data-driven digital twins to drive better decisions, and deliver advanced HPC and cloud solutions to support unlimited idea exploration. To learn more, please visit altair.com Ready to go? #ONLYFORWARD At our core we are explorers; adventures; pioneers. We are the brains behind some of the world’s most revolutionary innovations and are not only comfortable in new and unchartered waters, we dive headfirst. We are the original trailblazers that make the impossible possible, discovering new solutions to our customer’s toughest challenges. Altair is an equal opportunity employer. Our backgrounds are diverse, and every member of our global team is critical to our success. Altair’s history demonstrations a belief that empowering each individual authentic voice reinforces a culture that thrives because of the uniqueness among our team.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
Quantum Systems: Deep understanding of entanglement, mode decomposition, nonlinear generation of states and spin physics.
Optical Systems: Proficiency in laser systems, optical design, precision coupling, free-space alignment, and photon detection.
Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with chip-scale photonics testing, precision fiber alignment, instrument coordination/synchronization, and rigorous data validation.
Programming: Strong skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar for data analysis and instrument control.
Scientific Writing: Clear communication of results to internal research teams using graphs, mathematics, etc.

Nice To Haves

Simulation & Design: Background in integrated photonics design and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, CST).
Electronics: Familiarity with high-speed electronics design, PCB layout, and optoelectronic packaging.
Fabrication: Experience with nanofabrication techniques (e-beam lithography, etching).

Responsibilities

Design and implement quantum photonic devices and components, especially related to quantum communication, single photon generation, entanglement, and low count measurement techniques. Design assembly of components into subsystems.
Conduct research on quantum information and quantum communication techniques such as squeezed light, quantum interference, and mode decomposition.
Investigate novel methodologies for applied quantum techniques outside of information applications.
Design and execute rigorous experiments to characterize quantum photonics devices and components under various environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, magnetic fields) to ensure robustness.
Contribute to efforts to establish quantum information test bench, including the development of standardized calibration and automated measurement system. Develop and test single photon sources and implementation into larger systems. Optimize system performance while maintaining quantum state.
Ability to work within and contribute to cross-disciplinary research teams with key deliverables including prototypes, intellectual property, and publications (an active interest in publishing is highly desirable).
Willingness to participate in, support, and contribute to work-place safety culture and activities.