Staff Quantum Physicist — AMO & Neutral-Atom QC Lead

Hardware FYI; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance (2

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Equity program

Life and AD&D insurance

Job summary

Infleqtion is seeking a Staff Quantum Physicist to lead the design, integration, and operation of neutral-atom quantum computing systems. You will supervise up to six engineers, translate goals into experiments, and drive cross-functional delivery while mentoring teammates.

The role emphasizes AMO physics expertise, hands-on lab work, Python tooling, and system-level leadership across processor design, Rydberg excitation, and laser systems. Travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in AMO/atomic/quantum physics or related field with 5+ years leading complex quantum systems.
• Hands-on experience designing, operating, or improving AMO or coherent-control experiments.
• Proficiency with Python for experiment control and data analysis; familiarity with Linux and version control.
• Ability to translate ambiguous goals into executable plans and lead cross-disciplinary 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 processor design, Rydberg, laser systems, and test infrastructure.
• Design experiments and models to improve gate fidelity, stability, and processor performance; guide tradeoffs.
• Own critical systems from validation to documentation; drive cross-functional execution of R&D objectives.
• Develop Python-based tooling for experiment control, data analysis, automation, and operations.
• Review technical work and uphold team standards and best practices.
• Manage up to six direct reports including coaching and career development.
• Contribute to hiring, proposals, IP, roadmaps, and external technical discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Experiment design

System integration

Education

PhD in AMO/atomic/quantum physics

Tools

Python

Linux

Version control

Job description

Infleqtion is seeking a Staff Quantum Physicist to lead the design, integration, and operation of neutral-atom quantum computing systems. You will supervise up to six engineers, translate goals into experiments, and drive cross-functional delivery while mentoring teammates.

The role emphasizes AMO physics expertise, hands-on lab work, Python tooling, and system-level leadership across processor design, Rydberg excitation, and laser systems. Travel up to 10% is expected.