Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum

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

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level family health coverage

Health & dependent care FSA

Employer 401(k) Contributions

20 days PTO / 11 holidays

Paid parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is hiring AMO physicists to build ultraprecise quantum devices for navigation, satellite communication, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on role is based onsite at our Pleasanton, CA office and involves delivering prototype sensors from concept to deployment.

The position requires a PhD in atomic/optical/quantum physics or substantial related experience, plus hands-on expertise in clocks, lasers, and sensors. US export compliance is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics or 12+ years of related experience
• US export control compliance for Vector Atomic employees

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Atomic clocks & sensors

Laser cooling & trapping

Precision spectroscopy

Optics & fiber optics

Analog, digital, RF electronics

Control systems

Education

PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics

Tools

Atomic ovens/beams/vapor cells

UHV systems

Narrow linewidth lasers

Laser frequency stabilization

Electro/acousto-optics

Job description

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

About Vector Atomic:

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.

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area)

What You'll Do:

• Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems


• Sensor integration, bring-up, and optimization; data analysis


• Analyze and simulate of 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.