Senior Quantum Physicist (Quantum Computing)

Infleqtion•Chicago, IL

19h•$165,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Infleqtion is seeking a Senior Quantum Physicist to help advance its Quantum Computing mission and commercialize atom-based quantum technologies. The role focuses on designing, integrating, calibrating, operating, and improving neutral-atom quantum computing systems and their critical subsystems. The successful candidate will lead research and development projects, translate program goals into technical requirements and experimental plans, and use experiments and physics-based models to guide technical decisions and improve system performance. The position involves independently owning critical systems from development through validation, troubleshooting, reliability improvement, and routine operation. It also includes developing Python-based tools for experiment control, analysis, calibration, automation, and hardware integration. The physicist will collaborate across physics, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems-engineering teams, and mentor junior team members and interns. Work is normally performed in an office and laboratory environment around technical equipment, including computers and lasers. Up to 10% travel may be required. Any required personal protective equipment will be provided and must be used according to company requirements. The position may require access to information controlled under U.S. export control laws and regulations; an employment offer may be conditioned on authorization to receive controlled software or technology without sponsorship for an export license.

Requirements

PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field plus at least two years of relevant post-PhD experience, or comparable professional experience developing complex experimental systems.
Hands-on experience designing, building, and operating complex AMO, quantum-control, or precision-measurement experiments.
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, together with 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 independently leading a substantial experimental project or owning a critical technical subsystem.

Nice To Haves

Experience with neutral-atom quantum computing, Rydberg physics, optical-tweezer arrays, or quantum-gate characterization.
Experience with advanced laser systems, optical beam delivery, high-NA imaging, beam shaping, or optical projection.
Experience characterizing and mitigating laser-frequency, phase, pointing, or intensity noise.
Experience with analog electronics, RF systems, or feedback control.
Experience integrating optical, electronic, vacuum, control, and software subsystems.
Experience developing automated calibration, health-monitoring, or experimental test infrastructure.
Familiarity with Linux, Git, command-line tools, and collaborative software-development practices.

Responsibilities

Design, integrate, calibrate, operate, and improve neutral-atom quantum computing systems and critical subsystems.
Lead R&D projects involving quantum processor hardware, quantum-gate protocols, laser and optical systems, calibration, control, or system integration.
Translate program goals into technical requirements, experimental plans, and measurable performance targets.
Design and analyze experiments and physics-based models to identify performance limitations and guide technical decisions.
Independently own critical systems through development, validation, troubleshooting, reliability improvement, and routine operation.
Develop Python-based tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, automation, and hardware integration.
Collaborate across physics, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems-engineering teams.
Mentor junior team members and interns and contribute to technical reviews and team best practices.