Principal System Integration and Test Lead

Atom Computing, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K matching

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. is seeking a Principal System Integration & Test Lead to oversee whole-system integration of neutral-atom quantum computers. You will work hands-on with AMO physics, guide diagnostics, and partner with QEs for testing.

The role reports to the VP of Manufacturing and requires deep technical leadership across subsystems. The ideal candidate has a PhD or equivalent with 10+ years in AMO physics or quantum hardware and 3+ years leading multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in physics/AMO or related field.
• 10+ years in experimental AMO physics, quantum hardware, or precision laser-system integration.
• 3+ years leading multidisciplinary teams and integration readiness.

Responsibilities

• Own whole-system integration across optics, laser delivery, vacuum interfaces, RF controls, timing, and instrument software for neutral-atom quantum computers.
• Define hardware-readiness checks and handoff criteria with QEs and Systems Engineering.
• Lead first-of-a-kind systems, establish repeatable integration sequences, alignment methods, diagnostics, and recovery procedures.
• Perform and guide system-level optical alignment, laser-delivery checks, controls checkout, and safety checks before atom-based verification.

Skills

AMO physics

system integration

optical alignment

team leadership

Education

PhD in physics or related

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. Our systems will give customers access to computational breakthroughs that were out of reach until now. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals advancing the state of the art in quantum computing.

We are seeking a Principal System Integration & Test Lead with deep atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics and quantum-computing knowledge. You will be the technical authority for whole-system integration: taking complete neutral-atom quantum computers from assembled subsystems to atom-ready machines, then handing each one to our Quantum Engineers (QEs) for testing with atoms. This is a hands-on technical leadership role reporting directly to the VP of Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own whole-system integration across optics, laser delivery, vacuum interfaces, radio-frequency (RF) controls, timing, and instrument software for neutral-atom quantum computers
• Apply AMO knowledge to define hardware-readiness checks. Agree integration, alignment, and handoff criteria with QEs and Systems Engineering
• Work alongside QEs on first-of-a-kind systems to establish repeatable integration sequences, alignment methods, diagnostics, and recovery procedures
• Perform and guide system-level optical alignment, laser-delivery checks, controls checkout, and applicable safety checks before atom-based verification begins
• Mentor and train integration engineers and technicians. Define the qualification path for new team members, and advise leadership on staffing and on scheduling shared instruments across concurrent builds
• Lead cross-subsystem troubleshooting. Work with laser, controls, subsystem, and QE specialists to resolve hardware and interface problems
• Support hardware corrections during QE testing. Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to reduce alignment rework and shorten repeat-build cycle time

Experience & Education

• PhD in physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline, or comparable professional experience
• 10+ years of experience in experimental AMO physics, quantum hardware, or precision laser-system integration
• 3+ years providing technical leadership on multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated responsibility for integration readiness, complex fault isolation, and laboratory execution

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of neutral-atom quantum computers, including atom trapping, optical addressing, coherent control, and readout
• Hands-on capability in optical alignment, laser stability diagnostics, vacuum interfaces, and synchronized RF and control systems
• Practical AMO knowledge, including laser-atom interactions and laser cooling and trapping, sufficient to resolve integration issues directly with experimental physicists
• Ability to interpret diagnostic data, evaluate automated checkout methods, and isolate hardware or software-interface faults. Laboratory automation experience is preferred
• Proven technical leadership and readiness-review discipline, with a record of mentoring colleagues toward qualification while preserving the separate QE acceptance gate
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

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 $200,000 - $230,000, 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.