Research Scientist, Optical Engineering Neutral Atoms, Quantum AI

Google Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 174,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Google Boulder, CO is seeking a Research Scientist in Optical Engineering for Neutral Atoms and Quantum AI. You will design, test, and scale optical systems for quantum experiments, and you will mentor junior team members while advancing fundamental research toward practical applications.

The role emphasizes publishing results, collaborating with hardware teams, and contributing to Google's broader quantum computing roadmap. Proficiency in optics and physics, plus a PhD, are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and characterization of optical systems.
• One or more scientific contributions, including publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at quantum technology conferences.

Responsibilities

• Design and test optical systems to enable precise neutral atom manipulation and addressing capabilities.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with relevant emerging optical technologies.
• Establish methodologies for the characterization of optical performance and system tolerancing across various modules.
• Engineer modular optical systems to support effective scaling of quantum systems.
• Contribute to the scientific community through the publication and formal dissemination of research outcomes.

Skills

Optical design

System characterization

Publications

Education

PhD in Optics/Physics/EE

Tools

Optical design software

Mechanical design software

Job description

Research Scientist, Optical Engineering Neutral Atoms, Quantum AI

Google Boulder, CO, USA

Mid

Experience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.

The application window will be open until at least August 3, 2026. This opportunity will remain online based on business needs which may be before or after the specified date.

• PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and characterization of optical systems.
• One or more scientific contributions, including publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at quantum technology conferences.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in the use of industry-standard optical and mechanical design software.
• Knowledge of fourier optics principles.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with hardware engineering teams on heterogeneous system integration.

About the job

As an organization, Google maintains a portfolio of research projects driven by fundamental research, new product innovation, product contribution and infrastructure goals, while providing individuals and teams the freedom to emphasize specific types of work. As a Research Scientist, you'll setup large-scale tests and deploy promising ideas quickly and broadly, managing deadlines and deliverables while applying the latest theories to develop new and improved products, processes, or technologies. From creating experiments and prototyping implementations to designing new architectures, our research scientists work on real-world problems that span the breadth of computer science, such as machine (and deep) learning, data mining, natural language processing, hardware and software performance analysis, improving compilers for mobile platforms, as well as core search and much more.

As a Research Scientist, you'll also actively contribute to the wider research community by sharing and publishing your findings, with ideas inspired by internal projects as well as from collaborations with research programs at partner universities and technical institutes all over the world.

The full potential of quantum computing will be unlocked with a computer capable of error-corrected computations. Google Quantum AI's mission is to build this computer and unlock solutions to classically intractable problems. Our roadmap is focused on advancing the capabilities of quantum computing and enabling meaningful applications.Google Research is building the next generation of intelligent systems for all Google products. To achieve this, we’re working on projects that utilize the latest computer science techniques developed by skilled software developers and research scientists. Google Research teams collaborate closely with other teams across Google, maintaining the flexibility and versatility required to adapt new projects and foci that meet the demands of the world's fast-paced business needs. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $174000 - $253000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

• Design and test optical systems to enable precise neutral atom manipulation and addressing capabilities.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with relevant emerging optical technologies.
• Establish methodologies for the characterization of optical performance and system tolerancing across various modules.
• Engineer modular optical systems to support effective scaling of quantum systems.
• Contribute to the scientific community through the publication and formal dissemination of research outcomes.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.