Staff Quantum Physicist

Infleqtion; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 166,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total Rewards program

100% medical coverage

Health Savings Account

Unlimited PTO

401(k) Matching

Life and AD&D Insurance

Flexible HSA

Paid FMLA Leave

Paid parental leave

Student loan repayment

Job summary

Infleqtion in Madison is seeking a Staff Quantum Physicist to lead the development and operation of neutral‑atom quantum computing systems. You will drive technical direction, validate outcomes, and mentor a small team across quantum processor design and laser systems.

You will apply deep AMO physics knowledge, design experiments, and build Python tools in Linux to support calibration, data analysis, and automation.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics or equivalent; typically 5+ years post‑PhD experience or leadership of complex systems.
• Hands‑on experience designing, operating, or improving AMO or coherent‑control experiments with atom–light interactions.
• Proficiency with Python for experiment control and data analysis; working knowledge of Linux and version control.
• Ability to turn ambiguous goals into executable plans and lead cross‑disciplinary system‑level work.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, calibration, operation, and improvement of neutral‑atom quantum computing systems and subsystems.
• Translate goals into technical requirements, experimental plans, and performance targets across quantum processor design and laser systems.
• Develop Python‑based tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, and automation.
• Manage up to six direct reports, provide coaching, and contribute to hiring and roadmaps.

Skills

Python

Linux

Experiment design

Project leadership

Education

PhD in AMO/atomic/quantum physics

Tools

Laser systems

RF instrumentation

Ultra-high vacuum systems

Job description

Infleqtion is on a mission to commercialize atom‑based quantum technologies that deliver orders‑of‑magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. As a deep‑tech startup, we embrace a results‑driven, fast‑paced, and customer‑focused approach to innovation. We are seeking self‑motivated, energetic individuals with exceptional problem‑solving and technical skills to help drive our Quantum Computing mission forward. We encourage applications from experimental physicists with expertise in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics, particularly those with experience in the coherent control of quantum systems such as ultracold atoms, trapped ions, and diamond NV centers.

Role and Responsibilities

The responsibilities below represent the core scope of the role and may evolve based on business and program needs. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role. Staff Quantum Physicists at Infleqtion remain deeply engaged in system development and operation while also providing technical direction, developing team members, and, where applicable, managing a small team. Depending on program needs, a Staff Quantum Physicist may lead the development of a hardware system or provide technical leadership across multiple teams.

• Lead the design, integration, calibration, operation, and improvement of neutral‑atom quantum computing systems and critical subsystems.
• Translate program goals into technical requirements, experimental plans, performance targets, and technical direction across quantum processor design, Rydberg excitation, gate protocols, laser systems, calibration, and system integration.
• Design and analyze experiments and physics‑based models to improve gate fidelity, stability, availability, and processor performance; guide architecture and engineering tradeoffs.
• Own critical systems through validation, troubleshooting, performance tuning, reliability improvement, and documentation; translate complex R&D objectives into prioritized work and drive cross‑functional delivery.
• Develop Python‑based tools in Linux environments for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, automation, and operational support.
• Review technical work and uphold team standards and best practices.
• Manage up to six direct reports, including expectations, performance, coaching, and career development.
• Contribute to hiring, proposals, intellectual property, technical roadmaps, and external technical discussions.

• PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; typically 5+ years of relevant post‑PhD experience or comparable experience leading complex quantum, atomic, optical, or precision‑measurement systems.
• Deep hands‑on experience designing, operating, or improving complex AMO or coherent‑control experiments, with strong knowledge of atom‑light interactions and technologies such as lasers, optical systems, acousto‑optic or electro‑optic modulators, RF instrumentation, and ultra‑high‑vacuum systems.
• Proficiency with Python for experiment control, data analysis, automation, or hardware integration, plus working knowledge of Linux, command‑line tools, and version control.
• Demonstrated ability to turn ambiguous technical goals into executable plans and validated outcomes, lead system‑level work across disciplines, and communicate effectively with specialist and non‑specialist audiences.

It is a plus if you have:

• Experience with neutral‑atom quantum computing, Rydberg physics, optical‑tweezer arrays, quantum‑gate characterization and optimization, or related processor architectures; familiarity with physical error mechanisms and quantum‑error‑correction requirements.
• Experience with advanced laser and optical systems, including short‑wavelength lasers, beam delivery and shaping, optical projection, high‑NA imaging, noise mitigation, feedback control, and subsystem stabilization.
• Experience integrating optical, electronic, vacuum, control, and software subsystems into complex experimental platforms.
• Demonstrated technical leadership through mentoring, cross‑team coordination, and delivery of complex technical programs; experience contributing to proposals, patents, roadmaps, customer discussions, or government‑funded R&D.

Note

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations for quantum computing technology. Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. We ask that candidates be able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in‑person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

TRAVEL

Up to 10% travel may be required.

The targeted salary range for this role is $166,000 to $256,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching Programs
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
• Paid FMLA Leave
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employer Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at [e-mail].