Job Title: Early-Career Experimental Physicist

Location: Northern New Mexico with expected start date of January 2026

Contact: info@bandeliertech.com

Who We Are 

Bandelier Technologies is a dual use technology company at the intersection of quantum optics,  photonics, and sensing. We explore fundamental physics to enable next-generation applications  in quantum imaging, remote sensing, and metrology. We are located in Northern New Mexico  and operate in close collaboration with national laboratories and research institutions.  

What You Will Do 

We are seeking a highly motivated early-career scientist with a strong background in  experimental physics to join our multidisciplinary team.

Areas of interest include:

• Quantum optics and photonics 

• Metamaterials and metasurfaces 

• Ultrafast optics / terahertz 

• Quantum sensing and imaging 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Hands-on experience with quantum photonics experiments or nonlinear optical systems.

• Proven ability to design experiments and perform measurements and analysis related to  quantum imaging or sensing. 

• Background in conducting original research in quantum, nonlinear, or ultrafast optics.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. 

• Strong writing and communication skills, supported by publications. 

• Degree Requirement: Ph.D. or M.S. in experimental photonics or a related field, earned  within the past 5 years or to be completed soon. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with single-photon experiments (generation, detection, correlations,  entanglement). 

• Background in squeezed light generation/detection is highly desired. 

• Knowledge of metamaterials or metasurfaces. 

• Familiarity with simulation tools such as COMSOL, CST, or MATLAB. 

How to Apply 

Send the following materials to info@bandeliertech.com: 

• CV 

• List of publications 

• One-page statement of research interests and future plans 

• Names and contact information for at least two references

Bandelier Technologies is a deep-tech company developing next-generation quantum sensing capabilities, in close partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Our work originates from cutting-edge laboratory research and is transitioning toward system-level development and real-world application.

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to serve as a leading technical authority within the company, someone who can work hands-on from the beginning at the optical-table level while helping shape technical direction as the organization scales.

Role Overview

The Senior Scientist will act as Bandelier Technologies’ primary technical authority for quantum- enabled sensing systems developed in partnership with LANL principal investigators who originated the core technology. This role blends hands-on experimental leadership with close collaboration alongside the executive team to align technical development with end-user needs, funding pathways, and commercialization goals.

As the company grows, the Senior Scientist will help build and mentor a small technical team while remaining directly involved in experimental strategy and technical decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as senior scientific and technical authority for advanced quantum sensing and radar concepts

• Lead hands-on experimental design, low-noise measurement strategy, and performance validation for quantum-enabled sensing systems

• Translate laboratory physics into system-level architectures, requirements, and trade studies

• Collaborate closely with LANL researchers and principal investigators

• Act as the primary technical interface with government reviewers, funding agencies, and

  partners

• Lead technical narratives for proposals, white papers, and program reviews (technical lead / PI-equivalent)

Preferred Experience and Education

• PhD or equivalent experience in quantum optics, photonics, applied physics, or RF/EM systems

• Hands-on experience with frequency combs, SPDC sources, entangled photon systems, or nonlinear optics

• Experience translating lab-scale quantum/optical experiments into fieldable hardware systems (TRL 3 → 6+)

• Familiarity with ISR, radar, EW, PNT, or space-based sensing architectures

• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams across optics, electronics,

  firmware, and systems integration

• Background working with DoD customers (AFRL, ONR, DARPA, SOCOM) and

  navigating SBIR/BAA/STRATFI pathways

• Experience with SWaP-C optimization and ruggedization of photonic or RF systems

• Ability to architect scalable product roadmaps from prototype to production

  Why Bandelier Technologies

  This is a foundational technical leadership role offering direct ownership of a novel quantum radar architecture, close collaboration with LANL inventors, and meaningful influence over how breakthrough physics transitions from laboratory validation to deployable systems. This role is ideal for an experimental quantum optics scientist who wants to take nonclassical sensing concepts from PRX-level validation to fieldable systems.

  Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.