Head of Photonics

The role

You will set and lead Atom Computing's integrated photonics program. You will own the photonics strategy and lead development of photonic integrated circuits that deliver optical control to large numbers of qubits.

What you will do

• Define and own the integrated photonics roadmap, including material platform and architecture decisions.
• Lead PIC development programs from specification through design, fabrication, test, packaging, and integration into quantum computers.
• Build and lead an in-house photonics team with design, simulation, test, and integration capabilities.
• Serve as technical lead for partnerships with foundries, materials suppliers, and photonics companies.
• Scout and evaluate emerging photonic technologies for qubit control.
• Generate intellectual property and communicate results internally and externally.
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of post-PhD experience in integrated photonics in industry or a leading research group, including leading PIC programs from concept to fabricated, tested devices.
• Demonstrated experience building and leading technical teams.
• Recognized expertise in integrated photonics, including material platforms, foundry ecosystems, and modulators, nonlinear devices, and large-scale photonic circuits.
• Hands-on track record designing, taping out, and characterizing PICs through external foundries or internal fabs.
• Deep understanding of high-performance electro-optic modulation and/or integrated nonlinear optics.
• Proven ability to manage external development partners, including writing specifications and driving multi-party programs to schedule.
• Sound technical judgment for high-stakes platform decisions with incomplete information.
• Ability to communicate clearly with physicists, engineers, executives, and external partners.

Nice to have

• Experience with visible or near-infrared integrated photonics.
• Experience across multiple material platforms, such as thin-film electro-optic materials, silicon nitride, and heterogeneous integration.
• Experience with large-scale photonic circuits and interfacing PICs to free-space optics.
• Experience with high-speed RF drive, photonic packaging, and fiber and free-space coupling.
• Established relationships across photonics foundries, academic groups, and startups.
• Experience in a fast-paced hardware development or startup environment.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401(k) company matching.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• FSA and dependent care benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in the office every day.
• 25% annual bonus.
• Sign-on bonus and incentive stock options.

Before you apply

• Prior experience in atomic physics or quantum computing is not required.

About the company

Atom Computing builds quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. The company works to advance the state of the art in quantum computing.