{"id":1709756,"url":"https://alion.io/job/zero-point-motion-experimental-physicist","title":"Experimental Physicist","company":{"id":3798709,"name":"Zero Point Motion","domain":"zeropointmotion.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/zeropointmotion","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Teamtailor","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-10-10T05:45:15Z"}},"role":"Science & Research","role_family":"Science & Research","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"inferred","locations":[],"countries":[],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Python","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-01-30T12:25:43Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-01-30","last_verified_at":"2026-10-11T02:46:24Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":253,"trust":{"level":"stale","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale"],"days_open":252},"description":"This role exists to extract truth from real hardware fast. \nAs an Experimental Physicist at Zero Point Motion, you will build new lab systems from scratch, run high-iteration experiments, and turn messy data into physical insight that informs what we build next. You do not need to have majored in photonics, but you must have used lasers and precision measurement in serious work, and you must be excited to transition your domain expertise into semiconductors and integrated photonic MEMS. \nThis is a builder role. You will spend around 70% of your time in the lab, moving from 0 to 1 quickly, with scope to hand over repeatable and automatable systems to others. \nThe Role \nYou will take ownership of experimental setups that involve some mix of: \nlasers and optical measurement \n\nvacuum, vibration isolation, precision alignment, or high sensitivity readout \n\nelectronics, detectors, and instrumentation \n\nautomated measurement and data pipelines \n\nsemiconductor devices and packaging realities \n\nYour job is to make progress at speed while maintaining high safety standards and rigorous thinking. \nWhat You’ll Do \nExperimental ownership (0 to 1 systems) \nDesign and build experimental setups where most of the rig does not exist yet. \n\nIntegrate lasers, detectors, optics, and instrumentation into stable measurement systems. \n\nMove fast through build-test-debug cycles, with steady hands and strong practical judgment. \n\nDevelop procedures that make results repeatable, not dependent on heroics. \n\nWork longer hours when the experiment demands it, then eliminate that need through better design, automation, and handover. \n\nMeasurement, data, and physical insight \nRun structured experiments to isolate mechanisms, not just collect plots. \n\nCharacterise noise, drift, stability, sensitivity, and cross-coupling. \n\nAnalyse large datasets with statistical discipline and clear reporting. \n\nWrite real Python for experiment control, automation, data processing, and model validation. \n\nBuild lightweight models to connect observation to physics and guide next experiments. \n\nBuilder mindset across disciplines \nElectronics to measure and debug readout chains and sensor interfaces. \n\nMechanical design to create fixtures, alignment tooling, mounts, enclosures, and practical assemblies. \n\nUse the right software for the job (CAD, lab control, scripting, version control) without needing to be a specialist in all of it. \n\n Semiconductor curiosity and transition \nDevelop a deep interest in semiconductor devices, fabrication constraints, packaging, and production reality. \n\nBring state-of-the-art thinking from your domain (quantum, spectroscopy, cavity optomechanics, HEP, precision metrology) into a new hardware platform. \n\nCollaborate with photonics, MEMS, electronics, FPGA, and systems engineers so experiments drive design choices. \n\nRequired Background \nYou must have: \nA deeply technical PhD (or equivalent) where you built most of your experimental setup yourself (not inherited a mature rig). \n\nSignificant hands-on laser use in your research (alignment, stability, measurement, safety discipline). \n\nProven ability to design experiments, debug hardware, and extract physical insight from non-ideal behaviour. \n\nPractical competence in Python beyond trivial scripts (automation, analysis, instrument control, reproducibility). \n\nComfort working with lab electronics and instrumentation (oscilloscopes, signal generators, DAQs, lock-in style measurements, etc.). \n\nHigh safety standards and mature lab habits (laser safety, HV, vacuum, cryo, chemicals as applicable). \n\nHigh learning slope and curiosity, especially when transitioning into unfamiliar technical ground. \n\nStrong plus if you have experience with any of: \ncavity optomechanics, precision interferometry, spectroscopy, quantum hardware, particle/HEP instrumentation \n\nnoise budgeting, Allan deviation, drift analysis, stability characterisation \n\ncontrol loops, locking, servo design, timing and synchronisation \n\nvacuum systems, vibration isolation, thermal control, long-duration experiments \n\nsemiconductor device testing, packaging, probe stations, wafer-level measurement \n\nWho This Role Is For \nThis role is for: \nexperimentalists who are builders first and theorists second \n\npeople who can move from blank bench to working system quickly \n\nthose who enjoy debugging reality: noise, drift, cross-coupling, alignment sensitivity \n\nengineers who automate and document so others can scale what they created \n\npeople with strong internal standards, integrity, and a bias to action \n\nWhat This Role Is Not \nThis is not: \na role for someone who only runs established procedures on mature equipment \n\na simulation-first position \n\na narrow optics-only job or narrow electronics-only job \n\na “slow science” lab where iteration speed does not matter \n\nWhat Success Looks Like \nAfter 6-12 months: \nYou have built 3 or more new experimental rigs that repeatedly produce trusted data. \n\nKey noise sources, drift mechanisms, and failure modes are identified and quantified. \n\nTest cycles are fast, with clear procedures and partial automation in place. \n\nExperiments directly drive engineering decisions across photonics, MEMS, electronics, and packaging. \n\nThe lab becomes a competitive advantage: faster learning per week than peers. \n\nWorking with us\nCompensation: Our framework is built on fairness and transparency, with regular reviews to reflect growth and performance.\n\nBenefits: Share options, pension, and private medical insurance. \n\nCulture: A deep-tech rocketship backed by leading investors. We’re building breakthrough technology with real commercial impact. Pace is high. Standards are higher.\n\nZero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission, and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. 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