Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems

Infleqtion; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

Unlimited PTO

Equity program

Life Insurance

Job summary

Infleqtion, Inc. seeks a Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems in Louisville, CO to lead design and operation of neutral-atom quantum computing hardware.

You will direct experiments, calibrations, and system integration while mentoring team members and guiding cross-functional work across quantum processor design and optics. The role emphasizes technical leadership, experimental control, and collaboration with engineers to improve gate fidelity and processor performance in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO, atomic, optical, quantum physics or equivalent experience; typically 5+ years post-PhD.
• Hands-on experience with complex AMO or coherent-control experiments.
• Proficiency in Python and Linux for experiment control, data analysis, automation, and hardware integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, calibration, operation and improvement of neutral-atom quantum computing systems.
• Translate program goals into technical requirements, experimental plans and performance targets.
• Design experiments and models to improve gate fidelity, stability, and processor performance.

Skills

Python

Linux

Version control

Command-line tools

Data analysis

Automation

Hardware integration

Education

PhD in AMO/quantum physics

Tools

Lasers

RF instrumentation

Ultra-high-vacuum systems

Acousto-optic/electro-optic modulators

Job description

Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems at Infleqtion, Louisville, Colorado, United States. A lead-level full time position in the Quantum Computing team, listed under hardware engineering.

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.

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.

Nice to 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.

Benefits

• 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