Principal Quantum Physicist (Trapped Ions) – Quantum Hardware R&D (Defense Focus)

Ainabl Technologies; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Equity (0.5–1.5%)

Annual bonus eligibility

Full benefits (medical/dental/vision)

Job summary

Ainabl Technologies is building airborne-qualified quantum networking hardware and seeking a Principal Quantum Physicist (Trapped Ions) to own the ion-trap physics, stability, and error-correction performance for next-gen quantum transceivers. You will lead core ion-trap research and engineering to meet strict airborne SWaP, reliability, and environmental requirements.

Reporting to the CTO, you will guide qubit control, coherence, and logical performance from current generations to modular

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics, or closely related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience designing, operating, and characterizing trapped-ion platforms.
• Proven track record delivering high-fidelity single- and two-qubit gates, long coherence times, and robust state readout.
• Strong background in laser cooling, Raman or microwave control, motional-mode engineering, and error budgeting.
• Experience translating research-grade ion traps into compact, robust packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, characterization, and improvement of trapped-ion qubit systems.
• Own qubit stability, coherence optimization, and error-correction strategies.
• Drive real-time control and feedback for high-rate secure airborne networking.
• Collaborate with cryogenics, shielding, and optical teams for DO-160 / MIL-STD qualification.
• Guide transition of lab ion-trap architectures into flight-qualified hardware.
• Mentor quantum engineers and technicians; define experimental roadmaps.
• Support supplier engagement on ion-trap components and vacuum systems.
• Contribute to customer reviews and defense program documentation.
• Shape long-term roadmap for modular scaling while preserving SWaP.

Skills

Experience designing trapped-ion qubit

High-fidelity single- and two-qubit-g​

Coherence optimization

Error budgeting

Experiment design and data analysis

Technical communication skills

Leadership of experimental teams

Quantum error correction familiarity

FPGA/ASIC control familiarity

Defense/aerospace hardware experience

Cryogenics/magnetic shielding/vibe/isD

Education

PhD in Physics, Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics, or closely related field

Job description

Ainabl is the only company delivering airborne-qualified, revenue-generating quantum-secure networking systems today. With a clear path to licensing and backlog, we are scaling from early Phase-0 units in 2026-2027 to full constellation delivery by 2030.

We seek an exceptional Principal Quantum Physicist (Trapped Ions) to own the physics, stability, and error-correction performance of our trapped-ion quantum transceivers. You will lead the core ion-trap research and engineering efforts that enable our systems to meet the most demanding airborne SWaP, reliability, and environmental requirements.

Reporting to the CTO and partnering closely with Systems Engineering, Certification, and FPGA/ASIC teams, you will drive qubit control, coherence, and logical performance as we advance from the current generation to modular higher-capacity platforms through 2030.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, characterization, and continuous improvement of trapped-ion qubit systems, including ion loading, cooling, state preparation, multi-qubit gates, and high-fidelity readout
• Own qubit stability, coherence optimization, and error-correction strategies for scalable logical performance in compact, vibration-tolerant packages
• Drive real-time control and feedback techniques that support high-rate secure networking under airborne constraints
• Collaborate with cryogenics, magnetic shielding, and optical teams to ensure robust operation across temperature, vibration, and EMI environments required for DO-160 / MIL-STD qualification
• Guide the transition of laboratory ion-trap architectures into flight-qualified hardware modules
• Mentor quantum engineers and technicians; define experimental roadmaps and success metrics
• Support supplier engagement on ion-trap components, vacuum systems, and precision RF/microwave delivery
• Contribute technical content for customer reviews, Sandia-style validation campaigns, and defense program documentation
• Help shape the long-term technical roadmap for modular scaling of logical capacity while preserving airborne SWaP and environmental resilience

Requirements

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics, or closely related field with deep expertise in trapped-ion quantum systems
• 8+ years of hands-on experience designing, operating, and characterizing trapped-ion platforms (linear or 2-D traps preferred)
• Proven track record delivering high-fidelity single- and two-qubit gates, long coherence times, and robust state readout in real laboratory systems
• Strong background in laser cooling, Raman or microwave control, motional-mode engineering, and error budgeting
• Experience translating research-grade ion traps into more compact, environmentally robust packages
• Excellent experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication skills

Preferred Skills

• Prior work on quantum error correction or logical-qubit demonstrations in trapped-ion systems
• Familiarity with real-time FPGA or ASIC-based control and decoding pipelines
• Experience with defense, aerospace, or high-reliability quantum hardware environments
• Knowledge of cryogenic systems, magnetic shielding, and vibration isolation for precision ion traps
• Ability to obtain UK List X / U.S. security clearances (TS/SCI path preferred)
• Prior leadership of small experimental teams or principal-investigator experience

Why Join Ainabl?

• Be part of a mission-driven team delivering unbreakable quantum-secure communications for 6th-generation platforms
• Work on groundbreaking quantum hardware with global impact and defense advancements
• Competitive salary ($200,000 – $280,000 base, location- and experience-adjusted),plus meaningful equity (0.5 – 1.5%), annual bonus eligibility, and full benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; relocation support available
• Collaborate with DARPA alumni, ex-Northrop/Raytheon executives, and world-class quantum physicists and engineers
• Shape the physical foundation of the 21st-century battlespace datalink while remaining at the cutting edge of trapped-ion science

Recruitment Process

• Application Review: Shortlist notified within 3 business days
• Initial Screen: 45-minute call with CEO and/or CTO
• Deep-Dive Interview: Technical presentation + 2-hour session with CEO, CTO and/or technical leadership
• References & Clearance Path Discussion
• Offer: Verbal offer within 48 hours of final interview
• Target Start: Q1 2027

About the Company

At Ainabl, we are the only team shipping airborne-qualified quantum networking hardware today. We are seeking an experienced Principal Quantum Physicist to lead the trapped-ion physics that makes our systems possible. If you have built and optimized high-performance ion-trap platforms and want to see them fly in the most demanding environments on Earth, this is your opportunity to own the quantum heart of next-generation secure communications.

Additional Information

• This role may involve access to controlled technical information; appropriate nationality and clearance eligibility required
• Ainabl Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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