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Salary: USD 180,000 - 220,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. We are seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer with deep expertise in high-speed mixed-signal design to lead the architecture, implementation, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for our quantum computer control systems.
You will drive hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining hands-on in tactical engineering work. You will report to the Control Systems Manager and work in Boulder, Colorado.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive high-level system architectures for instruments, partitioning functions across PCBAs, and guiding FPGA/control selection, power, clocking, and interconnect strategy
- Advise and guide technical approach for high-speed mixed-signal front ends, including analog/RF signal chains, DAC/ADC selection, and noise, linearity, and phase-noise requirements
- Lead and mentor the team through instrument design, including brainstorming, simulation, prototyping, schematic and layout design reviews, and board bring-up and characterization
- Collaborate with quantum engineers and other groups to understand system needs and define hardware design requirements
Requirements:
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
- 10+ years of postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design, preferably with Altium Designer
- Direct experience designing boards with large, high pin count ICs (FPGAs, processors) with interfaces to high-speed communication buses, memory, sophisticated clocking, and high-speed analog/RF circuitry
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and driven to work effectively in a fast-growing startup environment
- Experience teaching and mentoring others in hardware design concepts and process
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers
- Strong grasp of PCB design best practices across the full design cycle, from concept through fabrication, bring-up, and production
- Mixed-signal design experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum and logic analyzers, signal generators) for prototype electronics bring-up and debug
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software-defined radio
- Experience with high-speed digital and analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization
- Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, and equalization
- Experience with IBIS-AMI modeling and correlation for multi-gigabit serial interfaces
- Capability in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test and characterization
- Experience designing high-speed memory interfaces
- Experience working in a Linux environment
- Familiarity with MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards
