Associate Engineer - Electrical

Vector Atomic; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive health coverage

FSA for dependents

401(k) contributions

PTO and holidays

Parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Vector Atomic in Pleasanton, CA is seeking an electrical engineer to design ultraprecise quantum hardware with emphasis on analog/mixed-signal circuits. You will collaborate with physicists, firmware, optics, and mechanical teams to deliver robust PCBAs and power systems for quantum instruments.

This hands-on role requires strong design skills and the ability to work independently while contributing to a small, multidisciplinary team solving real-world navigation and sensing challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field and 0–2 years hardware experience.
• Strong communication and ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work onsite in Pleasanton, CA.
• U.S. export control compliance requirement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with physicists, firmware, optics, and mechanical teams to architect electronics for quantum instruments.
• Design, simulate, and validate low-noise analog front ends, data-converter paths, and mixed-signal control loops.
• Create schematics and perform placement/routing in Altium for complex PCBAs.
• Build robust power trees and POL supplies with tight ripple, transient, and efficiency targets.
• Apply signal integrity and EMI/EMC best practices: grounding, return paths, filtering, shielding, and layout constraints.
• Bring up, characterize, and debug boards using oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, SMUs, and logic analyzers.
• Write basic automation scripts (Python) for characterization and data logging.
• Document requirements, design notes, test plans, and manufacturing handoff; support prototype-to-production transition.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium Designer

Python scripting

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

DMMs

LTspice

FPGA/MCU design basics

Job description

Vector Atomic is building quantum hardware to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. In 2025, we joined IonQ [NYSE: IONQ], the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security.

Our scientists, engineers, software developers, and operations professionals collaborate to deliver real-world solutions. We value ingenuity, diverse skillsets, and teamwork. Every team member can make an immediate impact while growing professionally. Join us to build breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Vector Atomic is hiring electrical engineers to build ultraprecise quantum devices for applications that include autonomous/GPS-free navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on role requires strong electronic design skills with emphasis on analog and mixed-signal circuits. We are seeking strong individual contributors who can take ownership of their work while supporting overall team goals. Vector Atomic produces a large volume of custom PCBAs for both manufacturing and R&D projects.

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area)

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with physicists, firmware, optics, and mechanical teams to architect electronics for quantum instruments and precision INS
• Design, simulate, and validate low-noise analog front ends, data-converter paths, and mixed-signal control loops
• Create schematics and perform placement/routing in Altium for complex, space-constrained PCBAs
• Build robust power trees and POL supplies with tight ripple, transient, and efficiency targets
• Apply signal integrity and EMI/EMC best practices: grounding, return paths, filtering, shielding, and layout constraints
• Bring up, characterize, and debug boards using oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, SMUs, and logic analyzers
• Write basic automation scripts (Python) for characterization and data logging
• Document requirements, design notes, test plans, and manufacturing handoff; support prototype-to-production transition

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field plus 0-2 years of hands-on hardware experience. Significant involvement in Senior Design projects or technical extracurriculars (e.g., Robotics, Formula SAE) is highly valued
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams
• To comply with US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees and asylees
• Ability to work onsite full-time at our office in Pleasanton, CA (SF Bay Area)

Preferred Experience (several Of The Following)

• Analog/mixed-signal design fundamentals: op-amps, references, filters, instrumentation amps
• Power basics: buck/boost/LDO regulators, ripple/transient control, protection (OV/OC/UV)
• Data converters: integrating precision ADCs/DACs; sampling and anti-aliasing fundamentals
• Noise and precision: 1/f and thermal noise, PSRR/CMRR, grounding and shielding practices
• PCB design in Altium: schematics, footprint/library use, placement and routing for signal integrity
• SPICE simulation (e.g., LTspice) for verification and tolerance analysis
• Lab skills: oscilloscopes, supplies, DMMs; methodical bring-up and debugging
• Signal integrity/EMI: impedance control, stackup selection, crosstalk and return-path management
• Power specialization: sequencing, current sensing, thermal management, low-power techniques
• RF/microwave basics: LO distribution, mixers, phase noise, shielding
• Embedded familiarity: I2C/SPI/UART bring-up, reading datasheets; basic Python for test automation
• FPGA/MCU board design and high-speed interfaces (e.g., LVDS)
• DFM/DFT, manufacturing processes, and reliability/environmental testing

Benefits

Vector Atomic offers competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off & 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The base salary range for this position is $80,000 to $110,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.