Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems

Infleqtion•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Infleqtion is seeking a Staff Quantum Physicist to help commercialize atom-based quantum technologies for sensing and computing. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: the physicist remains deeply involved in system development and operation while providing technical direction, developing team members, and, where applicable, managing a small team. Depending on program needs, the role may lead development of a hardware system or provide technical leadership across multiple teams. The role focuses on neutral-atom quantum computing systems and their subsystems, including quantum processor design, Rydberg excitation, gate protocols, laser systems, calibration, and system integration. The successful candidate will turn program goals into technical requirements, experimental plans, and performance targets; improve processor performance through experiments and physics-based models; and lead validation, troubleshooting, tuning, reliability improvements, and documentation. The position also includes developing Python tools in Linux environments, reviewing technical work, managing up to six direct reports, and contributing to hiring, proposals, intellectual property, technical roadmaps, and external technical discussions. Work is normally performed in an office and laboratory environment around technical equipment, including computers and lasers. Candidates should be able to use automated office equipment and communicate by phone, computer, or in person. Required personal protective equipment will be provided and must be used according to company requirements. Travel of up to 10% may be required. Employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive technology controlled under U.S. export control laws without sponsorship for an export license.

Requirements

PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Typically 5+ years of relevant post-PhD experience or comparable experience leading complex quantum, atomic, optical, or precision-measurement systems.
Deep hands-on experience designing, operating, or improving complex AMO or coherent-control experiments.
Strong knowledge of atom-light interactions and technologies such as lasers, optical systems, acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators, RF instrumentation, and ultra-high-vacuum systems.
Proficiency with Python for experiment control, data analysis, automation, or hardware integration.
Working knowledge of Linux, command-line tools, and version control.
Demonstrated ability to turn ambiguous technical goals into executable plans and validated outcomes, lead system-level work across disciplines, and communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Ability to efficiently use automated office equipment and communicate via phone, computer, or in person.
Must properly use required personal protective equipment in accordance with company requirements.
Any employment offer may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with neutral-atom quantum computing, Rydberg physics, optical-tweezer arrays, quantum-gate characterization and optimization, or related processor architectures.
Familiarity with physical error mechanisms and quantum-error-correction requirements.
Experience with advanced laser and optical systems, including short-wavelength lasers, beam delivery and shaping, optical projection, high-NA imaging, noise mitigation, feedback control, and subsystem stabilization.
Experience integrating optical, electronic, vacuum, control, and software subsystems into complex experimental platforms.
Demonstrated technical leadership through mentoring, cross-team coordination, and delivery of complex technical programs.
Experience contributing to proposals, patents, roadmaps, customer discussions, or government-funded R&D.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, integration, calibration, operation, and improvement of neutral-atom quantum computing systems and critical subsystems.
Translate program goals into technical requirements, experimental plans, performance targets, and technical direction across processor design, Rydberg excitation, gate protocols, laser systems, calibration, and system integration.
Design and analyze experiments and physics-based models to improve gate fidelity, stability, availability, and processor performance, and guide architecture and engineering tradeoffs.
Own critical systems through validation, troubleshooting, performance tuning, reliability improvement, and documentation.
Translate complex R&D objectives into prioritized work and drive cross-functional delivery.
Develop Python-based tools in Linux environments for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, automation, and operational support.
Review technical work and uphold team standards and best practices.
Manage up to six direct reports, including expectations, performance, coaching, and career development.
Contribute to hiring, proposals, intellectual property, technical roadmaps, and external technical discussions.