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Salary: USD 200,000 - 230,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. We are seeking a Principal System Integration & Test Lead to serve as the technical authority for whole-system integration of neutral-atom quantum computers.
In this hands-on technical leadership role reporting directly to the VP of Manufacturing, you will own the complete integration pipeline: taking assembled subsystems through to atom-ready machines, then handing off to Quantum Engineers for testing with atoms. You will be responsible for defining and executing hardware-readiness checks, establishing repeatable integration sequences, and ensuring alignment and handoff criteria are met across all subsystems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own whole-system integration across optics, laser delivery, vacuum interfaces, RF controls, timing, and instrument software
- Apply AMO physics knowledge to define hardware-readiness checks and integration criteria
- Work alongside Quantum Engineers on first-of-a-kind systems to establish repeatable integration sequences, alignment methods, diagnostics, and recovery procedures
- Perform and guide system-level optical alignment, laser-delivery checks, controls checkout, and safety checks before atom-based verification
- Mentor and train integration engineers and technicians; define qualification paths and advise leadership on staffing and instrument scheduling
- Lead cross-subsystem troubleshooting with laser, controls, subsystem, and QE specialists
- Support hardware corrections during QE testing and partner with Manufacturing Engineering to reduce rework and cycle time
This is a technical leadership role where you will guide and mentor a team while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex integration challenges. You will be the bridge between subsystem engineering and quantum engineering, ensuring seamless handoffs and resolving integration issues directly.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or closely related discipline, OR comparable professional experience
- 10+ years of experience in experimental AMO physics, quantum hardware, or precision laser-system integration
- 3+ years providing technical leadership on multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated responsibility for integration readiness, complex fault isolation, and laboratory execution
- Strong understanding of neutral-atom quantum computers, including atom trapping, optical addressing, coherent control, and readout
- Hands-on capability in optical alignment, laser stability diagnostics, vacuum interfaces, and synchronized RF and control systems
- Practical AMO knowledge, including laser-atom interactions and laser cooling/trapping, sufficient to resolve integration issues directly with experimental physicists
- Ability to interpret diagnostic data, evaluate automated checkout methods, and isolate hardware or software-interface faults (laboratory automation experience preferred)
- Proven technical leadership and readiness-review discipline, with a record of mentoring colleagues toward qualification
- Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds
