Senior Hardware Engineer - High Speed Mixed Signal Designer

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K matching

Disability insurance

Snacks and catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. seeks a Senior Hardware Engineer to research, design, develop, and test custom instrumentation for quantum computing control systems in Boulder or Austin offices.

You will drive high-speed mixed-signal front ends and collaborate with physics, software, and laser teams to define hardware needs and ensure robust bring-up. The role requires 5+ years in analog/digital board design, experience with Altium, and a BS/MS in a related field.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of board-level analog and digital circuit design experience.
• Experience with mixed-signal front ends and instrument design.
• Strong knowledge of test equipment for bring-up and debugging.
• Familiarity with high-speed data interfaces and memory interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Design high-level system architectures for instruments, including analog/RF front ends.
• Own design of high-speed mixed-signal front ends to drive lasers and actuators.
• Collaborate with software, quantum, laser, optical and systems engineers to define hardware requirements.
• PCB layout and schematic capture in Altium Designer for control hardware.
• Participate in bring-up, verification, and testing with FPGA, firmware and software teams.

Skills

Mixed-signal design

RF design

PCB layout

Education

BS/MS in Electrical 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.

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Hardware Engineer with expertise in high-speed mixed-signal design to research, design, develop, and test custom instrumentation for our quantum computing control systems. In this role, you will represent the Control Systems team, working closely with Quantum Engineering to integrate, deploy, and support this hardware in our quantum computers.

Due to the need for collaboration with Atom’s theory, software and hardware teams, this role is required to be in the office in Boulder or Austin at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Design high level system architectures for instruments with particular focus on driving definition of analog and RF front end designs, including signal conditioning and amplification stages, DAC and ADC selection, power and clocking schemes, as well as control and monitoring circuitry
• Own the research, simulation, prototyping, evaluation, and design of high speed mixed-signal front ends used for driving high speed and high resolution analog signals used to interface with the lasers and actuators that control our quantum computers
• Collaborate with software, quantum, laser, optical, and systems engineers to understand system needs, discuss solutions and define hardware design requirements
• Board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout (working with a PCB layout designer) in Altium Designer of custom control system hardware
• Actively participate in the bring-up, verification, and testing of control system hardware systems, collaborating closely with FPGA, firmware, and software engineers

Experience & Education

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design, preferably with Altium Designer

Required Qualifications

• Experience completing at least one full hardware design cycle, from concept development and schematic capture through PCB layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up
• Mixed signal design experience
• Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and a keen attention to detail
• 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
• Experience working on boards with complicated ICs (FPGAs, processors, etc) requiring several power supplies, high speed busses, and high speed memory interfaces
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software defined radio
• Experience designing for and characterizing high-speed data-converter systems for low phase noise, low spurious content, and high linearity
• Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, equalization
• Experience with IBIS-AMI modeling and correlation for multi-gigabit serial interfaces
• Experience designing high speed memory interfaces
• Experience with high speed digital and analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization
• Capable in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for basic data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test 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 $140,000 - $160,000 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.