Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems

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

Infleqtionis 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 inAtomic, 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

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.