Staff Scientist - Quantum

Vector Atomic; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level family health coverage

Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Employer 401(k) contributions

20 days of paid time off

Paid parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

A leading technology company in Pleasanton, CA, is seeking an experienced Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physicist to contribute to the development of groundbreaking quantum devices. Responsibilities include prototyping and designing sensors, data analysis, and environmental performance simulation. Candidates should possess a PhD in related fields or relevant experience. The position offers a salary range of $150,000 to $180,000 along with comprehensive benefits including health coverage and 20 days of paid time off.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 8-12 years of related experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems.
• Sensor integration, bring‑up, optimization, and data analysis.
• Analyze and simulate atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities.
• Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real‑world environments.

Skills

Atomic clocks and inertial sensors

Laser cooling and trapping

Precision spectroscopy

Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems

Optics, fiber optics, electro/acousto-optics

Analog, digital, and RF electronics

Education

PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics

Tools

Control systems and instrumentation

Mechanical design

Job description

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands‑on environment, we’d love to hear from you.

We're hiring driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to play a key role in building ultraprecise quantum devices for autonomous navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands‑on position offers the opportunity to contribute to all stages of development, from concept to deployment.

What You’ll Do:

• Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems
• Sensor integration, bring‑up, and optimization; data analysis
• Analyze and simulate of atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities
• Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real‑world environments

What We’re Looking For:

• PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 8‑12 years of related academic or industry experience
• To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.

Hands‑on expertise with several of the following:

• Atomic clocks and inertial sensors
• Atomic ovens, beams, and/or vapor cells
• Laser cooling and trapping
• Precision spectroscopy
• Ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Narrow linewidth lasers and laser frequency stabilization
• Optics, fiber optics, electro/acousto‑optics, detectors
• Analog, digital, and RF electronics
• Control systems and instrumentation
• Mechanical design

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work‑life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum‑level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It’s atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.