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Salary: USD 230,000 - 275,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. We are seeking a Head of Photonics to establish and lead our integrated photonics program, which is central to scaling our quantum computing systems.
In this role, you will own the company's photonics strategy, including selecting material platforms and architectures, and leading development programs from concept through hardware integration into our quantum computers. You will build and manage an in-house photonics team with design, test, and integration capabilities, and direct technical collaborations with external foundries and photonics companies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define and own the integrated photonics roadmap, assessing competing material platforms and architectures against system-level requirements and making clear downselect decisions
- Lead PIC (photonic integrated circuit) development programs from specification through design, fabrication, test, packaging, and integration
- Build and lead an in-house photonics team, establishing design, simulation, test, and integration capabilities
- Serve as technical lead for external partnerships with foundries, materials suppliers, and photonics companies; scope efforts, write and negotiate specifications, review designs, and hold partners to performance and schedule
- Scout and evaluate emerging photonic technologies for new approaches to qubit control
- Generate intellectual property and communicate results internally and externally through publications and presentations
You will work closely with physicists and engineers who translate qubit requirements into device specifications. Prior experience in atomic physics or quantum computing is not required.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Physics, or related field
- 8+ years of post-PhD experience in integrated photonics in industry or leading research group, including leading PIC programs from concept to fabricated, tested devices
- Demonstrated experience building and leading technical teams
- Recognized expertise in integrated photonics: material platforms, foundry ecosystems, 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 for making high-stakes platform decisions with incomplete information
- Ability to communicate clearly with physicists, engineers, executives, and external partners
PREFERRED:
- Experience with visible or near-infrared integrated photonics
- Experience across multiple material platforms (thin-film electro-optic materials, silicon nitride, 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/free-space coupling
- Established relationships across photonics foundries, academic groups, and startups
- Experience in fast-paced hardware development or startup environment
