Principal Hardware Engineer
About The Position
At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In this critical technical leadership role, you will drive hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining deeply engaged in the tactical engineering work. This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and will report to the Control Systems Hardware & Firmware Engineering Manager.
Requirements
- BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 8+ years of relevant professional experience in advanced board-level RF and analog circuit design, with expert-level proficiency in Altium Designer.
- Thrive in a start-up environment where you can take ownership of complex problems, drive engineering rigor, and help build the processes of the future.
- Deep understanding of RF fundamentals (impedance matching, S-parameters, transmission line theory) with a proven track record of owning the full design cycle for complex, multi-board systems.
- Proven experience defining and executing comprehensive hardware verification frameworks (EVT, DVT, PVT) and resolving complex system-level bugs.
- Advanced proficiency with electronic test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum/logic analyzers, oscilloscopes) and scripting languages (e.g., Python) to architect automated, repeatable validation frameworks.
- Collaborative technical leader with an exceptional ability to translate complex hardware constraints to experimental physicists and software engineers in a fast-growing startup environment.
- Strong willingness to learn underlying physics concepts to deeply contextualize engineering decisions.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with embedded Linux environments, MicroTCA, software defined radio, and FPGA.
Responsibilities
- Architectural & Strategic Leadership: Drive the hardware development lifecycle and architectural direction across multiple concurrent projects. Make high-level trade-offs (performance, cost, schedule) and act as the technical authority for cross-functional stakeholders.
- Test & Verification Ownership: Architect comprehensive hardware verification strategies and lead system bring-up with hands-on support and troubleshooting. Champion a test-driven culture by building automated test infrastructures from the ground up to elevate validation capabilities.
- Hands-On Design & RF Integration: Lead complex board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer, including RF system-level architectures for embedded and connectorized solutions.
- Design Quality & Mentorship: Establish hardware design standards, author technical specifications, lead rigorous layout reviews, and mentor engineers to elevate the team's overall technical output.
- Manufacturing Strategy: Own technical relationships with contract electronics manufacturers and suppliers, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies to support production and scaling operations.
- Architectural Leadership: Drive the hardware development lifecycle and architectural direction across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with overall quantum system requirements.
Benefits
- Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents.
- Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.
- We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
