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 Senior Systems Engineer to gather, integrate, and track requirements, risks, and timelines for future generations of Atom Computing systems. As Senior System Engineer you will serve as a technical integrator and architect across Atom Computing’s Research and Product Development programs. This individual will lead system definition, model-based engineering (MBSE) and risk management activities that bridge theory and applications, quantum engineering, control systems, optical engineering, software and hardware disciplines.
The ideal candidate can translate theoretical and experimental requirements into a coherent system architecture, and has experience applying systems engineering best practices to emerging technologies.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead, and formalise, the existing functional and physical decomposition of current systems to augment the requirements blueprint
- Establish and maintain the requirements baseline, traceability matrices, and verification plans using industry standard tools
- Translate scientific objectives into verifiable system and subsystem performance requirements
- Manage change control processes for evolving architectures and requirements. Architecture & Design Integration
- Develop and document system architecture, including subsystem interactions
- Produce system-level design documentation and interface control documents (ICDs)
- Coordinate with modeling and simulation teams to evaluate performance trade-offs and scalability of quantum system architectures. Risk Management & Technical Planning
- Identify, quantify, and track technical risks, opportunities, and mitigations
- Support development of risk registers and FMEA/FMECA for design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, SIR, ORR)
- Contribute to the ongoing development of Atom Computing’s Systems Engineering Management Plan. Integration, Verification, and Validation (IV&V)
- Develop and coordinate the Verification and Validation (V&V) plans, linking test protocols to system-level requirements (traceability)
- Working with Quantum Engineering & Theory, oversee definition of system-level test protocols
- Participate in system integration reviews and readiness assessments to ensure technical maturity and risk reduction. Collaboration & Communication
- Act as technical liaison between Theory, Quantum Engineering, Hardware, Software, Controls, and Optical Engineering
- Support customer interactions, including government program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reporting.
Required Qualifications
- BS or higher in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related field
- 5+ years of systems engineering experience in complex, multidisciplinary R&D or production environments (quantum, aerospace, defense, advanced computing, or similar)
- Proven ability to lead requirements development, interface control, and V&V planning across engineering and science disciplines
- Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and configuration management systems
- Strong understanding of system lifecycle processes
- Demonstrated experience with risk management frameworks
- Experience supporting government-funded research or procurement programs (DoD, DoE, DoC)
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, physics, or a related discipline
- Familiarity with quantum computing, atomic, and optical (AMO) physics, or control system integration
- Experience preparing and presenting SRR/PDR/CDR artifacts
- Knowledge of reliability engineering, fault-tolerant architectures, and data-driven verification.
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 $140,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
Skills Required
- BS or higher in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of systems engineering experience in complex, multidisciplinary R&D or production environments
- Experience in quantum, aerospace, defense, advanced computing, or a similar field
- Experience leading requirements development, interface control, and verification and validation planning across engineering and science disciplines
- Experience with model-based systems engineering tools and configuration management systems
- Strong understanding of system lifecycle processes
- Experience with risk management frameworks
- Experience supporting government-funded research or procurement programs, including DoD, DoE, or DoC programs
- Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or a related discipline
- Familiarity with quantum computing, atomic and optical physics, or control system integration
- Experience preparing and presenting SRR, PDR, and CDR artifacts
- Knowledge of reliability engineering, fault-tolerant architectures, and data-driven verification
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.
