Senior AMO Physicist - Inertial Sensing

Infleqtion, Inc.; Kidlington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Unlimited PTO

Company pension contribution

Cycle to work scheme

Private healthcare (BUPA)

Stock option plan

Job summary

Infleqtion is expanding its Physics Department in the UK and seeks an experimental AMO Physicist for inertial sensing applications. You will contribute to ongoing research projects, work with a team of physicists and engineers, and explore new concepts for future investigations.

The role involves translating requirements into atomic system designs, performing modelling and testing, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to develop commercial and non‑commercial quantum projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental AMO physics, with relevant inertial sensing experience.
• Experience with atom interferometry and laser system design/alignment.
• Experience integrating hardware and software in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Translate product requirements into atomic system designs and models; design and execute verification plans.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers and technicians to deliver integrated quantum devices.
• Prepare external reports, publications and presentations; support stakeholder communications.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Python programming

Education

PhD in experimental AMO physics

Tools

Solidworks

Zemax

Altium

Job description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. Our mission is to commercialise atom‑based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance and computing applications.

LOCATION

Infleqtion has offices in the USA, United Kingdom and Australia. This is a full-time position in our Kidlington, Oxford office. Our flexible working policy enables all full-time employees to work up to 2 days a week from home as work permits.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of our strategy for growth in the UK, we are expanding our Physics Department and recruiting an experimental AMO Physicist for inertial sensing applications. In this role, you will actively contribute to ongoing research projects and assist in the exploration of new concepts and approaches for future investigations. Working closely with a team of physicists and engineers, you will play a vital role in the collaborative efforts of the team.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Support

• Translate product requirements into atomic system designs.
• Execute modelling, simulation, and analytical calculations to design systems required to meet product performance.
• Design and execute testing and verification plans.
• Integrate complex opto‑mechanical systems, electronics, and software into quantum devices.
• Perform technical tasks needed for the success of the project from equipment setup to system demonstration.
• Identify materials and components to meet project requirements.
• Document project progress and identify, track and resolve any project issues.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with team members against tight deadlines.
• Collaborate with fellow physicists, engineers, and technicians to perform technical laboratory tasks needed for the success of the project, from equipment setup to system demonstration.
• Ability to work with multi‑disciplinary teams to develop commercial and non‑commercial products and/or draft new quantum‑led projects.
• Capable of handling changing circumstances and ambiguity.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute to external reports and publications, author/co‑author papers, proposals, presentations and reports, give invited talks, attend project workshops and conferences.

What you will bring to the team:

Technical Knowledge

• PhD in experimental atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics.
• Knowledge of atom interferometry for inertial sensing applications.
• Experience working with laser systems; optical design, alignment, and control.
• Working knowledge of control systems and signal processing.
• Proficiency in a programming language (e.g. Python).
• Entrepreneurial drive, intellectual agility and personal eagerness to develop with the needs of the business.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively share information with technical and non‑technical staff, both in writing and orally.
• Good collaboration skills, able to work in a team environment where engagement and participation are an expected part of successful job performance.

Experience

• Exposure to interactions of light with atoms, ions, or molecules.
• Proven track record of integrating complex hardware and software into systems.
• Understanding of ultra‑high vacuum.
• Familiarity with mechanical, optical, and electronic design packages (e.g. Solidworks, Zemax, Altium).
• Prior experience in project management is a plus.
• Understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) practices and modelling workplace safety culture.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 15 kg without assistance. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in‑person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

TRAVEL

Up to 10% travel may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• Unlimited PTO subject to fair usage
• Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tax efficient technology schemes
• Incentive Stock Option Plan
• BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed
• Life Assurance (4 x salary)

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you! Apply, and we’ll be in touch. If you need assistance or accommodation, please feel free to contact us at [e-mail]