Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Equity program

Life and AD&D insurance

HSA

FMLA & parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Student loan repayment

Job summary

Infleqtion, Inc. seeks a Staff Quantum Physicist in the Chicago area to lead and advance neutral-atom quantum computing hardware. You will guide system development, mentor a small team, and help shape technical roadmaps while staying hands-on with experiments.

Qualifications include a PhD in AMO/quantum physics or equivalent experience, 5+ years in related work, proficiency in Python, and strong collaboration skills across disciplines.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or related field; typically 5+ years post-PhD experience or comparable leadership in quantum/AMO systems.
• Deep hands-on experience designing, operating, or improving complex AMO or coherent-control experiments with atom-light interactions and laser/optical systems.
• Proficiency with Python for experiment control, data analysis, automation, or hardware integration; working knowledge of Linux and version control.
• Demonstrated ability to turn ambiguous technical goals into executable plans, lead system-level work across disciplines, and communicate with specialists and non-specialists.

Responsibilities

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

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.

• Salary Range: per year $190,000 - $230,000
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Program