Lead Experimental Physicist (AMO) - 902

Quantinuum; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 164,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Employer subsidized health, dental, &

Job summary

Quantinuum in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Lead Experimental Physicist (AMO) with experience in trapped ion systems to contribute to our R&D efforts toward a utility‑scale quantum computer. You will lead an emerging ion‑trapping lab and guide a team of scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities include building and operating trapped ion systems with free‑space optics and integrated photonics, mentoring staff, and communicating results through publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed before starting.
• 7+ years of experience in experimental atomic physics (PhD inclusive).
• At least 4 years of experimental experience with trapped‑ion systems.
• U.S. Person status is required.
• Ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Build, operate, and maintain trapped ion systems with free‑space optics and integrated photonics.
• Lead a team to design, verify, and deploy ion‑based quantum computing technologies.
• Assist in building an ion‑trapping lab from the ground up.
• Mentor early‑career scientists and engineers.
• Communicate results through documentation, publications, and presentations.
• Travel roughly 10%, depending on business needs.

Skills

Leadership experience

Experimental atomic physics

Trapped‑ion systems

Team mentorship

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Tools

Data acquisition and control systems

Cryogenic and vacuum systems

Job description

Lead Experimental Physicist (AMO) - 902

We are seeking a Lead Experimental Physicist (AMO) for our Albuquerque, NM location having experience with trapped ion systems to contribute to our cutting‑edge R&D efforts aimed at creating a utility‑scale trapped‑ion quantum computer. This role will focus on microfabricated, photonically integrated surface trap research, and the data we generate will directly inform the designs of our next‑generation systems. In addition to being an experienced trapped‑ion system experimentalist, you should have experience in technical leadership of teams of scientists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build, operate, and maintain trapped ion systems and related support infrastructure that employee both free‑space optics and integrated photonics for light delivery.
• Lead, develop, and work closely with a team to design, develop, verify, and deploy methods and technologies pushing the frontier of ion‑based quantum computers using integrated photonics.
• Help build an ion‑trapping lab from the ground up.
• Mentor earlier‑career scientists and engineers.
• Communicate results both internally and externally through documentation, publications, and presentations.
• Travel expectations of roughly 10%, dependent on business needs.

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Ph.D. completed prior to starting.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience (PhD inclusive) in experimental atomic physics.
• Minimum 4 years experimental experience (degree inclusive) with trapped‑ion systems.
• Due to contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status.
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:

• PhD in Physics or related field preferred.
• Experience building and leading research projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a track record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals related to trapped‑ion systems.
• Experience programming control systems for data collection and analysis.
• A history of highly impactful technical achievements.
• Experience with integrated photonic systems.
• Strong collaboration skills, including across disciplines.
• Experience performing simulation and modeling to inform experiments and/or data analysis.
• Experience with cryogenic and ultra‑high vacuum systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Incentive Eligible – Range posted is inclusive of bonus target.
• The pay range for this role is $164,000 – $205,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate’s skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.
• A competitive salary and innovative, game‑changing work.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit.
• Equity and 401(k) retirement savings plan; 12 paid holidays and generous vacation and sick time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee discounts.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis; there is no application deadline for this position.

Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.