Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems Lead

Infleqtion•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Infleqtion is seeking a leader to build, manage, and develop the hardware team launching its neutral-atom quantum computer in Chicago. This is a quantum hardware leadership and people-management role with technical oversight. The role is accountable for team performance, employee development, and execution at the new Chicago lab, while remaining involved enough in technical work to guide decisions and remove obstacles. The position partners with facilities, project management, the Chicago quantum software team, and experts across the broader Computing organization. The company prioritizes demonstrated people leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to deliver through a team, supported by a strong scientific or engineering foundation. The successful candidate will lead the team’s development, integration, commissioning, and operation of neutral-atom quantum computing systems. They will establish technical priorities and working practices, shape technical decisions, support rigorous experimentation and system operation, and help improve processor performance. Responsibilities may evolve as the effort grows and program needs change. The role may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws; an employment offer may be conditioned on authorization to receive controlled software or technology without sponsorship for an export license. 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 effectively by phone, computer, or in person. Required personal protective equipment will be provided and must be used according to company requirements. Up to 10% travel may be required.

Requirements

Demonstrated success managing and developing technical teams, including direct responsibility for goal setting, performance feedback, coaching, and career growth.
Experience leading complex experimental hardware projects from ambiguous objectives to measurable results.
Ability to build trust, delegate effectively, address challenges constructively, and bring together people with different areas of expertise.
Strong planning and execution skills, including prioritizing work, managing competing demands, and coordinating across disciplines.
Clear communication with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
A strong technical foundation in quantum physics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, or a related field, sufficient to guide technical discussions and evaluate tradeoffs.
A PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
Typically, five or more years of relevant post-PhD experience or comparable experience leading complex scientific or engineering systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience establishing a new laboratory, opening a technical office, or growing a research and development team.
Experience with neutral-atom quantum computing, Rydberg physics, optical-tweezer arrays, quantum-gate characterization, or related processor architectures.
Experience with coherent control of quantum systems, including ultracold atoms, trapped ions, or diamond NV centers.
Familiarity with lasers, optical systems, RF instrumentation, ultra-high-vacuum systems, and integration of complex experimental platforms.
Familiarity with Python, Linux, and tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, and automation.
Experience contributing to proposals, patents, technical roadmaps, customer discussions, or government-funded R&D.

Responsibilities

Lead the Chicago Quantum Systems Team and the hardware team launching Infleqtion’s Chicago quantum computer.
Establish effective working practices and operational readiness, reinforcing accountability, inclusion, scientific rigor, and open communication.
Manage up to six direct reports by setting expectations and providing regular feedback, performance management, coaching, and career development.
Help hire and onboard physicists and engineers, building a team with complementary strengths.
Represent the Chicago hardware team within Infleqtion and coordinate its work with the Chicago quantum software team and the broader Computing organization.
Guide the team’s development, integration, commissioning, and operation of neutral-atom quantum computing systems, drawing on specialists’ expertise to guide technical decisions and improve processor performance, including gate fidelity, stability, availability, and reliability.
Ensure rigorous approaches to experimentation, validation, troubleshooting, and system operation.
Contribute to technical roadmaps, proposals, intellectual property, and external technical discussions.
Participate directly in technical problem-solving when needed while maintaining a primary focus on leading and developing the team.
Work with project managers to translate program goals into priorities, milestones, staffing needs, and coordinated work plans; identify and track risks and resolve obstacles.