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.
Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer with specific expertise in high speed mixed-signal design to lead the architecture, implementation, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In this role, you will drive hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining deeply engaged in the tactical engineering work
This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and will report to the Control Systems Manager.
Responsibilities
- Design high level system architectures for instruments, including multiple PCBAs for various functions, collaborating with others on FPGA/processor selection, power and clocking schemes, analog and RF front end designs and DAC and ADC
- Collaborate with quantum engineers and other groups to understand system needs, discuss solutions and define design requirements
- Board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer of custom control system hardware.
- Prepare detailed technical specifications and design documentation and assist with reviewing schematics and layout of custom electronic designs.
- Actively participate in the bring-up, verification, and testing of control system hardware systems, collaborating closely with FPGA, firmware, and software engineers.
- Mentor other members of the team in hardware design
Required Qualifications
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design, preferably with Altium Designer.
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and driven to work effectively in a fast-growing startup environment.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
- Willingness to learn physics concepts to put work in context.
- Experience in a full design cycle, from concept and schematic capture through to layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up.
- Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and a keen attention to detail.
- Mixed signal design experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum and logic analyzers, signal generators) for the bring-up and debug of prototype electronics assemblies.
- Capable in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for basic data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test and characterization.
- Experience working on boards with complicated ICs (FPGAs, processors, etc) requiring several power supplies, high speed busses, and high speed memory interfaces.
Preferred Qualifications
- RF front-end and high speed ADC/DAC design experience
- Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software defined radio
- Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, equalization
- Experience designing high speed memory interfaces
- Experience with high speed digital and analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization
- Experience working in a Linux environment
- Familiarity with the MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards
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 or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
- 10+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design
- Experience with a full hardware design cycle from concept and schematic capture through layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up
- Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and strong attention to detail
- Mixed-signal design experience
- Proficiency with electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, and signal generators
- Ability to use scripting languages such as Python for data acquisition, instrument control, and hardware test automation
- Experience designing boards with complex ICs, including FPGAs or processors, multiple power supplies, high-speed buses, and high-speed memory interfaces
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and effective in a fast-growing startup environment
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers
- Experience with Altium Designer
- Familiarity with RF design concepts or software-defined radio
- Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, and equalization
- Experience with IBIS-AMI modeling and correlation for multi-gigabit serial interfaces
- Experience designing high-speed memory interfaces
- Experience with high-speed digital and analog I/O and connector or cable selection and characterization
- Experience working in a Linux environment
- Familiarity with MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards
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.
