Experimental Physicist, Quantum Energy Systems

About the Role

Pronoia Energy is seeking an Experimental Physicist to design, build, and run experiments that test our core scientific claims. This role serves as the empirical conscience of the company, focusing on real-world measurement of our room-temperature macroscopic quantum energy storage technology. You will establish measurement rigs, characterize materials and cells, and produce ground-truth data that informs simulations, internal verification, and external claims. This is a high-stakes, high-reward position requiring collaboration with computational and theory teams in a tight predict-measure-learn loop. The role is onsite in Torrance, California.

Responsibilities

• Design and build experimental apparatus and measurement rigs from the ground up.
• Characterize materials and cells, rigorously chasing down measurement artifacts.
• Produce clean, reproducible, ground-truth data the rest of the company relies on.
• Work closely with computational and theory teams to turn predictions into tests and tests into direction.
• Document methods and results to ensure reproducibility and trustworthiness.

Requirements

• A physics PhD with a record of building and running real apparatus (e.g., vacuum systems, cryogenics, optics, electronics, or data acquisition).
• Rigor about measurement and error analysis.
• A builder-experimentalist who can construct the rig, not just interpret data.
• Comfort serving as the empirical check on a company making bold claims.
• A self-starter who thrives amid ambiguity and rapid iteration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in experimental techniques behind quantum-materials or quantum-battery research, such as cavity systems, light-matter coupling, or two-level-system experiments.
• Experience building one-of-a-kind measurement systems under time pressure.
• Strong programming and automation skills for test-bench control and data acquisition.
• Prior work in deep tech R&D alongside interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity in a transformative startup.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Access to cutting-edge labs, tools, and resources in a flexible, collaborative work environment.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Professional development stipend.
• Relocation assistance if needed.