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 to lead the architecture, design, 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.
- Own technical relationships with contract electronics manufacturers and suppliers, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies to support production and scaling operations.
- Mentor other members of the team in hardware design
Experience & Education
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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
Nice to Haves
- 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
Skills Required
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
- 10+ years board-level analog and digital circuit design experience
- Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout (preferably Altium Designer)
- Experience across full design cycle: concept, layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up
- Mixed-signal design experience
- Proficiency with electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum and logic analyzers, signal generators)
- Capability in scripting (e.g., Python) for data acquisition, instrument control, and test automation
- Experience with boards containing complex ICs (FPGAs, processors), multiple power supplies, high-speed buses, and memory interfaces
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with physicists, hardware, and software engineers; self-motivated in startup environment
- Willingness to learn physics concepts to put work in context
- RF front-end and high-speed ADC/DAC design experience
- Familiarity with RF design concepts or software defined radio
- Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, and equalization
- Experience with high-speed digital and analog I/O, connector/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.
