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 Head of Photonics to establish and lead Atom Computing's integrated photonics program. Scaling neutral-atom quantum computers is a problem of controlling light: delivering fast, precise, independent optical control to very large numbers of qubits. Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are central to our scaling roadmap, and we are investing in them for the long term.
You will own the company's photonics strategy: selecting material platforms and architectures, and leading development programs from concept to hardware running in our quantum computers. You will build an in-house team with design, test, and integration capability, and direct technical collaborations with foundries and photonics companies.
You will work closely with the physicists and engineers who translate qubit requirements into device specifications. Prior experience in atomic physics or quantum computing is not required.
Responsibilities
- Define and own the integrated photonics roadmap. Assess competing material platforms and architectures against system-level requirements, and make clear, well-reasoned downselect decisions.
- Lead PIC development programs from specification through design, fabrication, test, packaging, and integration into our quantum computers.
- Build and lead an in-house photonics team, and establish its design, simulation, test, and integration capabilities.
- Serve as technical lead for external partnerships with foundries, materials suppliers, and photonics companies: scope development efforts, write and negotiate specifications, review designs, and hold partners to performance and schedule.
- Scout and evaluate emerging photonic technologies that could open new approaches to qubit control.
- Generate intellectual property and communicate results internally and, as appropriate, in publications and presentations.
- Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
- 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.
Required Qualifications
- Recognized expertise in integrated photonics, with command of the full landscape: material platforms, foundry ecosystems, and the current state of the art in 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: comfortable making high-stakes platform decisions with incomplete information, and defending them with data.
- Ability to communicate clearly with physicists, engineers, executives, and external partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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 with 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.
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, we offer unlimited paid time off, 401(k) 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 $230,000 - $275,000 commensurate with experience. In addition, we offer a 25% annual bonus, sign-on bonus, additional bonus potential and incentive stock options for equity in the company.
Skills Required
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Physics, or a related field
- 8+ years of post-PhD experience in integrated photonics
- Experience leading photonic integrated circuit programs from concept through fabrication and testing
- Demonstrated experience building and leading technical teams
- Recognized expertise in integrated photonics, including material platforms, foundry ecosystems, modulators, nonlinear devices, and large-scale photonic circuits
- Hands-on experience 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
- Experience managing external development partners, writing specifications, and driving multi-party programs to schedule
- Strong technical judgment and ability to make and defend platform decisions using data
- Ability to communicate clearly with physicists, engineers, executives, and external partners
- Experience with visible or near-infrared integrated photonics
- Experience across multiple material platforms, including 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
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.
