Quantum Physicist (Quantum Computing)

Infleqtion•Madison, WI

19h•$125,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Infleqtion is seeking a self-motivated, technically strong experimental physicist to advance its quantum computing mission. The role focuses on designing, building, calibrating, operating, and improving neutral-atom quantum computing systems and subsystems. The physicist will carry out research and development involving processor hardware, quantum-gate protocols, laser and optical systems, calibration, control, and system integration. The position translates technical goals into experimental plans, subsystem requirements, and measurable performance targets. It involves designing and analyzing experiments and physics-based models, independently executing defined technical work from planning through validation, and developing Python tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, automation, and hardware integration. The role also owns assigned subsystems through testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, documentation, and routine operation, while collaborating across engineering and physics teams and providing technical guidance to junior staff or interns as appropriate. Work is normally performed in an office and laboratory environment around technical equipment, including computers and lasers. Required personal protective equipment will be provided and must be used according to company requirements. Travel of up to 10% may be required. Employment offers may be conditioned on authorization to access technology controlled by U.S. export-control laws without sponsorship for an export license.

Requirements

PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field, or at least four years of comparable research or professional experience.
Hands-on experience conducting experiments involving atomic, optical, quantum, or precision-measurement systems.
Experience applying quantitative atomic or optical physics models to experimental design or to the specification of laser, optical, RF, or control systems.
Hands-on experience with lasers and optical systems, and related technologies such as acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators, RF instrumentation, imaging systems, or ultra-high-vacuum equipment.
Experience using Python for experiment control, data analysis, automation, or hardware integration.
Evidence of designing and analyzing physics experiments or developing an experimental subsystem.

Nice To Haves

Experience with neutral atoms, trapped ions, Rydberg physics, optical tweezers, quantum-gate protocols, or another coherent-control platform.
Experience with high-power or short-wavelength lasers and optical power-delivery systems.
Experience characterizing or mitigating laser-frequency, phase, pointing, or intensity noise.
Experience with analog electronics, RF systems, or feedback control.
Experience with high-numerical-aperture imaging, beam shaping, or optical projection.
Experience integrating optical, electronic, vacuum, control, and software subsystems.
Familiarity with Linux, Git, command-line tools, and collaborative software-development practices.

Responsibilities

Design, build, calibrate, operate, and improve neutral-atom quantum computing systems and subsystems.
Execute R&D projects involving quantum processor hardware, quantum-gate protocols, laser and optical systems, calibration, control, or system integration.
Translate technical goals into experimental plans, subsystem requirements, and measurable performance targets.
Design and analyze experiments and physics-based models to understand system behavior and guide technical decisions.
Independently execute defined technical work from planning through implementation and validation.
Develop Python-based tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, automation, and hardware integration.
Own assigned subsystems through testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, documentation, and routine operation.
Collaborate with physics, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems-engineering teams.
Provide technical guidance to junior team members and supervise interns as appropriate.