Senior Quantum Sensorist? No—Senior Quantum Sensor Physicist (Atom Interferometry)

Infleqtion; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 166,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive plan

Total Rewards program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Infleqtion is seeking a Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist to translate customer needs into practical atom-based sensor architectures for deployable inertial and gravitational sensors. You will lead R&D projects, develop models, and collaborate across optical, mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

The role requires a PhD in atomic/optical physics, hands-on AMO hardware experience, and ability to travel up to 10%. Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic/optical physics or related field.
• Experience with atom-based inertial/gravitational sensors or AMO hardware.
• Ability to balance physics performance with reliability, operability, and cost.
• Experience designing, building, integrating, testing, and debugging complex hardware/software systems.
• Experience developing models, simulations, and error budgets for instrument designs.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering teams across multiple disciplines.
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically (and internationally).
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in R&D projects on atom interferometry and quantum sensing systems.
• Translate customer needs into practical sensor architectures, requirements and plans.
• Guide concept through test, operation, and deployment phases.
• Develop physics models and error budgets to inform design decisions.
• Assess sensor concepts against real-world constraints and risks.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to convert physics into buildable designs.
• Contribute to proposal development and customer technical discussions.
• Present project findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Atom interferometry

Precision measurement

Quantum sensing

Hardware design

Experimental physics

Systems integration

Technical communication

Domestic travel

Education

PhD in atomic physics

Tools

Laser systems

Vacuum systems

Control systems

Diagnostic hardware

Job description

Infleqtion is seeking a Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist to translate customer needs into practical atom-based sensor architectures for deployable inertial and gravitational sensors. You will lead R&D projects, develop models, and collaborate across optical, mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

The role requires a PhD in atomic/optical physics, hands-on AMO hardware experience, and ability to travel up to 10%. Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship is required.