At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
We are seeking a Hardware Engineering Manager to lead the development of control systems hardware from board design through fabrication, assembly, bring-up, and integration into working instruments. This role combines people leadership with deep technical expertise in PCB fabrication and assembly, including a strong understanding of manufacturing capabilities, common failure modes, and design-for-manufacturability considerations.
In this role, you will lead engineers responsible for hardware design and bring-up while serving as a key partner to fabrication houses and contract manufacturers. Success means translating engineering designs into reliable, high-quality hardware — driving vendor performance, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and maintaining strong quality standards throughout the build process.
This position reports to the VP of Control Systems & Software.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of hardware engineers responsible for PCB design, bring-up, and test of quantum control system instruments.
- Build and drive strong relationships with PCB fabrication and contract assembly vendors including managing quoting and lead times, and partnering to consistently hit quality and delivery targets.
- Lead root-cause investigation and corrective action when prototype boards come back with defects.
- Manage the product roadmap and subsystem delivery schedules for both commercial and research projects.
- Partner with design and test engineers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) input during the design phase, catching manufacturability issues before a board ever reaches a vendor.
- Work closely with Atom Computing's quantum physicists, optical engineers, and hardware engineers to understand use cases and deliver hardware that addresses their needs.
Experience & Education
- BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
- 10+ years of experience as a hardware engineer, including significant hands-on work with PCB fabrication and contract electronics assembly vendors specifically.
- 2+ years managing a team of engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to lead a team delivering complex hardware projects from design through manufacturing.
- Deep working knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes, capabilities, and common failure modes.
- Comfort working in a low-to-mid-volume, high-complexity build environment with applications to precision instruments, aerospace, photonics, or similar.
- Demonstrated experience with root-cause and corrective-action processes for hardware quality issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- Existing relationships with PCB fab houses or contract assembly shops in the Boulder area.
- Analog electronics design experience.
- RF electronics / software-defined radio experience.
Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
The base salary range for this position is between $180,000 - $220,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
Skills Required
- BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
- 10+ years of experience as a hardware engineer
- Significant hands-on experience with PCB fabrication and contract electronics assembly vendors
- At least 2 years managing a team of engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
- Experience leading complex hardware projects from design through manufacturing
- Deep knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes, capabilities, and failure modes
- Experience in low-to-mid-volume, high-complexity build environments involving precision instruments, aerospace, photonics, or similar
- Experience with root-cause and corrective-action processes for hardware quality issues
- Existing relationships with PCB fabrication houses or contract assembly shops in the Boulder area
- Analog electronics design experience
- RF electronics or software-defined radio experience
Atom Computing Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Atom Computing and has not been reviewed or approved by Atom Computing.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare benefits include fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, plus life and disability protection. This is presented as a significant strength of the total rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited paid time off is offered and highlighted in company materials and postings. This policy is intended to support work-life balance.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) company match is offered to support retirement planning. This adds meaningful long-term value alongside salary and health benefits.
Atom Computing Insights
What We Do
Scientific and technological breakthroughs take years of tireless work, fighting for resources and pushing for acceptance of new ideas. What keeps researchers and engineers plodding on to the next big discovery? It’s an obsession. A life’s calling. At Atom Computing, we’re our customers’ biggest fans on the journey of discovery. That’s why we’re obsessed with creating the world’s most scalable and reliable quantum computers—giving them the power to develop breakthroughs that change the world.
