Principal Hardware Engineer: High Speed Mixed Signal Designer

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401k matching

Disability insurance

Free snacks and lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, based in Boulder, Colorado, is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture and deployment of custom control-system electronics for our quantum computer. The role blends system design with hands-on bring-up, drafting specifications, and mentoring the hardware team.

You will work closely with quantum scientists and FPGA/firmware teams, own DFMs with contract manufacturers, and shape hardware strategy across concurrent projects while performing critical

Qualifications

• Designs high level system architectures for instruments and PCBs.
• Experience with board-level analog and digital circuit design.
• Proficiency with electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Ability to collaborate with physicists, hardware, and software engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design high level system architectures for instruments, including PCBAs.
• Collaborate with quantum engineers to define design requirements.
• Board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications and review schematics/layouts.
• Participate in bring-up, verification, and testing of hardware systems with other engineers.
• Own relationships with contract manufacturers and drive DFM strategies.
• Mentor team members in hardware design.

Skills

Analog and digital design

Mixed signal design

Python scripting

Test equipment usage

Education

BS or MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

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 with specific expertise in high speed mixed-signal design to lead the architecture, implementation, 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

Required Qualifications

• 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
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

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 $180,000 - $220,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.