Quantum Sensor Hardware Engineer (Experimental Physicist)

General Atomics

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 116,000 - 209,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

The General Atomics Energy Group in San Diego is seeking an Experimental Physicist to lead hardware development and integration of quantum sensor systems. The role focuses on designing, building, and testing sophisticated instruments such as quantum magnetometers, gravimeters, and cryogenic devices, and ensuring system qualification for deployment.

You will develop cryogenic integration, low-noise electronics, and data acquisition software using LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB, publish results, and

Qualifications

Requires a Master’s or PhD degree in Experimental Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar discipline with progressively complex scientific experience as follows. Nine or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, seven or more years experience with a Masters degree, and four or more with a PhD.
Hands‑on experience in laboratory settings with analytical instruments and an expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practice related to cryogenic systems, electrical systems, and quantum sensor hardware.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end characterization, verification, and validation of quantum measurement systems, ensuring system qualification and acceptance for deployment.
Design, construct, and field complex scientific instruments in a team environment to support quantum sensor development, including quantum magnetometers, gravimeters, transition edge sensors, and superconducting nanowire detectors.
Build and qualify prototype quantum sensor testbeds, translating system requirements and hardware specifications into reliable, scalable experimental platforms.
Conduct system-level studies to optimize performance parameters such as electrical noise, thermal stability, and measurement fidelity in cryogenic environments.
Develop custom software for experimental control and data acquisition using LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB to interface with hardware systems and automate measurement protocols.