Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum

Vector Atomic; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level family health coverage

Health and dependent care FSA

Employer 401(k) contributions

20 days paid time off

Paid parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

A leading quantum technology firm in Pleasanton is seeking driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to join their team. The position involves hands-on development of ultraprecise quantum devices essential for autonomous navigation and satellite communications. Candidates should hold a PhD or equivalent experience, demonstrate technical expertise, and comply with U.S. export laws. The role offers a competitive salary between $175,000 to $215,000 per year, alongside an excellent benefits package, including health coverage and a robust 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or significant related experience is required.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required for compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems.
• Perform sensor integration, analysis, and simulation.

Skills

Atomic clocks and inertial sensors

Laser cooling and trapping

Precision spectroscopy

Optics and fiber optics

Mechanical design

Education

PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics or 12+ years related experience

Tools

Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems

Analog, digital, and RF electronics

Job description

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you.

We're hiring driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to play a key role in building ultraprecise quantum devices for autonomous navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands‑on position offers the opportunity to contribute to all stages of development, from concept to deployment.

What You’ll Do:

• Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems
• Sensor integration, bring‑up, and optimization; data analysis
• Analyze and simulate atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities
• Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real‑world environments

What We’re Looking For:

• PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 12+ years of related academic or industry experience
• To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.

Hands‑on expertise with several of the following:

• Atomic clocks and inertial sensors
• Atomic ovens, beams, and/or vapor cells
• Laser cooling and trapping
• Precision spectroscopy
• Ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Narrow linewidth lasers and laser frequency stabilization
• Optics, fiber optics, electro/acousto‑optics, detectors
• Analog, digital, and RF electronics
• Control systems and instrumentation
• Mechanical design

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work‑life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum‑level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $215,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third‑party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.