Engineer - R&D

Vector Atomic; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level family health coverage

Health and dependent care FSA

Employer 401(k) contributions

20 days of paid time off

Paid parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

A technology company in Pleasanton, CA, seeks an R&D Engineer to develop ultra-precise quantum devices for navigation and communication. Responsibilities include building and testing optical and electrical systems, as well as system integration. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 2-5 years of relevant experience. The role values adaptability and offers a competitive salary range of $110K to $135K per year, along with comprehensive health benefits and 20 days of paid time off.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or certain refugees/asylees.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Build and test optical, electrical, or vacuum systems.
• Integrate electronics controller with sensors.
• Set-up test equipment and automate data collection.

Skills

Hands-on experience with lasers and optics

System integration

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Electronic test instrumentation

Computer-aided design

Job description

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment, we’d love to hear from you.

We are actively seeking versatile R&D Engineers to build ultra-precise quantum devices for autonomous/GPS‑free navigation, high‑bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This is a jack‑of‑all‑trades role demanding a skilled and flexible engineer ready to thrive in a dynamic R&D environment. While the ideal candidate will possess a strong subset of the required skills, a willingness and capability to rapidly learn new ones are crucial.

What You’ll Do

• Build and test optical, electrical, or vacuum systems
• Systems integration of electronics controller with sensors
• Set‑up test equipment; automate data collection

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field plus 2-5 years relevant work experience.
• To comply with the 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 communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.

Hands‑on experience with several of the following:

• Lasers and optics, electronics, and/or vacuum systems in an R&D environment
• Laser and optical system prototyping
• Electronic test instrumentation such including oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power supplies and voltmeters
• Experience designing, building, and working with electromechanical assemblies.
• System integration, bring‑up, and debugging
• Basic bring‑up of PCB boards
• Electromechanical design of custom/semi‑custom enclosures for electronic assemblies that address issues of shielding, grounding and thermal constraints
• Design and build of custom cabling and interface boards
• Computer‑aided design
• Basic machining skill

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work‑life balance. We offer 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 approximate base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 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.