Principal System Integration and Test Lead

The role

You will be the technical lead for whole-system integration of neutral-atom quantum computers. You take assembled machines to atom-ready state and hand each one to Quantum Engineers for testing with atoms.

What you will do

• Own whole-system integration across optics, laser delivery, vacuum interfaces, RF controls, timing and instrument software.
• Define hardware-readiness checks and agree integration, alignment and handoff criteria with QEs and Systems Engineering.
• Work with QEs on first-of-a-kind systems to set repeatable integration sequences, alignment methods, diagnostics and recovery procedures.
• Perform and guide system-level optical alignment, laser-delivery checks, controls checkout and safety checks before atom-based verification.
• Mentor and train integration engineers and technicians, define their qualification path, and advise on staffing and shared instrument scheduling.
• Lead cross-subsystem troubleshooting to resolve hardware and interface problems.
• Support hardware corrections during QE testing and work with Manufacturing Engineering to reduce alignment rework and repeat-build cycle time.

Required qualifications

• PhD in physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related discipline, or comparable professional experience.
• 10+ years of experience in experimental AMO physics, quantum hardware or precision laser-system integration.
• 3+ years of technical leadership on multidisciplinary teams, with responsibility for integration readiness, complex fault isolation and laboratory execution.
• Strong understanding of neutral-atom quantum computers, including atom trapping, optical addressing, coherent control and readout.
• Hands-on capability in optical alignment, laser stability diagnostics, vacuum interfaces and synchronized RF and control systems.
• Practical AMO knowledge, including laser-atom interactions and laser cooling and trapping.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic data, evaluate automated checkout methods and isolate hardware or software-interface faults.
• Proven technical leadership and readiness-review discipline, with a record of mentoring colleagues toward qualification.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Nice to have

• Laboratory automation experience.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401K company matching.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• FSA.
• Dependent care benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Drinks, snacks and catered team lunches in the office every day.
• Annual bonus.
• Equity in the company.

Before you apply

• Physical requirement: lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.

About the company

Atom Computing builds quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. The company describes its team as scientists, engineers and business professionals advancing quantum computing.