Quantum Product Research

Quantum Machines • Chicago, IL

7d

About The Position

Quantum Machines is seeking an exceptional researcher to lead research for a significant new market initiative. The role is part of a nascent, fast-growing effort, offering the opportunity to shape its research agenda, measurement approach, and team while drawing on the resources and credibility of an established quantum technology company. The researcher will apply practical expertise in quantum device physics to a new technical direction and work closely with the Product & Architecture Lead and the broader engineering organization to ground product and architecture decisions in experimental practice.

The position requires hands-on research experience and a strong understanding of evolving quantum technologies, fabrication processes, and qubit measurement. The successful candidate will develop experimental insight, define and validate measurement protocols, and collaborate with QM product, architecture, and R&D teams, as well as partners, customers, and prospects. The role also involves engaging with the wider research community to inform the initiative's roadmap.

Requirements

• Proven research leadership experience and a track record of developing deep technical insight from first principles.
• Ph.D. in quantum physics or a closely related field, with familiarity and experience in quantum computing technologies, materials, and industrial fabrication processes.
• At least 3 years of experimental quantum physics and/or computing experience, including hands-on device experience.
• High technical acumen and ability to understand and make tradeoffs within complex systems.
• Comfort with ambiguity and working without a fully formed playbook.
• Excellent oral and written communication in English and excellent presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; self-driven, independent, and disciplined.
• Ability to collaborate closely with other teams.
• Willingness to travel for customer engagement.

Nice To Haves

• Deep, hands-on experience with superconducting qubits (strong advantage).
• Experience with spin qubits in addition to superconducting qubits (an advantage).
• Record of excellent scientific achievement, such as publications or novel experimental results (an advantage).
• Past experience working in a rapidly growing startup environment (an advantage).

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain an end-to-end understanding of qubit and quantum hardware systems relevant to the initiative.
• Develop a practical understanding of physical setups and control flows for device work, as well as industry fabrication stages and the parameters that govern them.
• Help define how measurement approaches can extend and generalize as needs grow, and identify bottlenecks.
• Translate research insights into clear product requirements and reference architectures with the Product & Architecture Lead and engineering teams.
• Validate proposed approaches against the physics through hands-on experimentation, modelling, and direct device work.
• Engage with the broader research community to ground the roadmap in emerging directions in the field.
• Collaborate with QM product, architecture, and R&D teams, and with partners, customers, and prospects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree