Principal Hardware Engineer

Linuxconfig; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited paid time off

401K company matching

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance

Catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer in Boulder, Colorado. You will lead the architecture and design of custom electronic assemblies for our quantum computer's control system while driving hardware strategy across multiple projects.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in board-level design, expertise in Altium Designer, and a collaborative spirit to work with a diverse team. A comprehensive benefits package is included, alongside a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment for prototype debugging.
• Experience in a full design cycle from concept to layout and initial board bring-up.

Responsibilities

• Design high level system architectures for instruments.
• Collaborate with quantum engineers to define design requirements.
• Board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout.

Skills

Self-motivated

Collaborative spirit

Proficiency in Altium Designer

Experience in mixed signal design

Scripting languages (Python)

Education

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, analyzers)

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world‑class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state‑of‑the‑art in quantum computing.

Atom Computing is seeking a hands‑on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In this role, you will drive hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining deeply engaged in the tactical engineering work.

This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and will report to the Control Systems Manager.

Responsibilities

• Design high level system architectures for instruments, including multiple PCBAs for various functions, collaborating with others on FPGA/processor selection, power and clocking schemes, analog and RF front end designs and DAC and ADC
• Collaborate with quantum engineers and other groups to understand system needs, discuss solutions and define design requirements
• Board‑level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer of custom control system hardware.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications and design documentation and assist with reviewing schematics and layout of custom electronic designs.
• Actively participate in the bring‑up, verification, and testing of control system hardware systems, collaborating closely with FPGA, firmware, and software engineers.
• Own technical relationships with contract electronics manufacturers and suppliers, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies to support production and scaling operations.
• Mentor other members of the team in hardware design

Experience & Education

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board‑level analog and digital circuit design, preferably with Altium Designer.

Qualifications

• Self‑motivated, collaborative, and driven to work effectively in a fast‑growing startup environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
• Willingness to learn physics concepts to put work in context.
• Experience in a full design cycle, from concept and schematic capture through to layout, fabrication, and initial board bring‑up.
• Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and a keen attention to detail.
• Mixed signal design experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum and logic analyzers, signal generators) for the bring‑up and debug of prototype electronics assemblies.
• Capable in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for basic data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test and characterization.
• Experience working on boards with complicated ICs (FPGAs, processors, etc.) requiring several power supplies, high speed busses, and high speed memory interfaces

Nice to Haves

• RF front‑end and high speed ADC/DAC design experience
• Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software defined radio
• Experience with multi‑gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, equalization
• Experience designing high speed memory interfaces
• Experience with high speed digital and analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization
• Experience working in a Linux environment
• Familiarity with the MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards

$170,000 - $200,000 a year

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.