Senior Silicon Systems Engineer

Atom Computing•Austin, TX

About The Position

Atom Computing is seeking a Senior Silicon Systems Engineer to bridge custom silicon with complex hardware integration across research and product development programs. The role defines system requirements and architecture and conducts system-level testing across chips, PCBs, and auxiliary hardware subsystems. The engineer will translate research and operational requirements into coherent system architecture and apply systems engineering practices to emerging technologies. The position collaborates across Theory, Quantum Engineering, Hardware, Software, Controls, ASIC Design and Verification, and Optical Engineering. It also supports customer interactions, including government program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reporting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of systems engineering experience in complex, multidisciplinary R&D or production environments, such as quantum, aerospace, defense, or advanced computing.
Ability to lead requirements development, interface control, and verification and validation (V&V) planning across engineering and science disciplines.
Experience with system architecture, requirements management tools, and configuration management systems.
Demonstrated experience with risk management frameworks.
Experience with silicon integration.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, physics, or a related discipline.
Familiarity with quantum computing, atomic and optical (AMO) physics, or control system integration.
Experience preparing and presenting SRR/PDR/CDR artifacts.
Experience supporting government-funded research or procurement programs (DoD, DoE, DoC).

Responsibilities

Develop and document system architecture, including subsystem interactions.
Produce system-level design documentation and interface control documents (ICDs), including chip–PCB–controller boundaries.
Lead chip-level system specifications with ASIC designers and analyze trade-offs across silicon, PCBs, and software.
Develop specifications for ASICs, PCBs, controllers, and supporting hardware based on research goals, maintaining traceability to system-level requirements.
Work with engineers to translate measured performance, limitations, and operational experience into requirements for PCBs, controllers, RF/analog electronics, and auxiliary hardware.
Manage change control processes for evolving architectures and requirements.
Identify, quantify, and track technical risks, opportunities, and mitigations.
Participate in ASIC architectural reviews and tape-out readiness milestones, evaluating system-level implications of engineering modifications alongside silicon risks, including respins, IP integration, and schedule impact.
Link pre-silicon verification coverage and post-silicon bring-up and characterization results to system-level requirements.
Plan system-level integration of the ASIC into PCBs and auxiliary hardware, including bring-up sequencing.
Act as a technical liaison across Theory, Quantum Engineering, Hardware, Software, Controls, ASIC Design and Verification, and Optical Engineering.
Support customer interactions, including government program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reporting.

Benefits

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
Unlimited paid time off.
401(k) company matching.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Flexible spending account (FSA).
Dependent care benefits.
Life insurance.
Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in the offices every day.
Annual bonus.
Equity in the company.