Principal Hardware Engineer

Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In this role, you will drive hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining deeply engaged in the tactical engineering work

This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and will report to the Control Systems Manager.

Responsibilities

• Design high level system architectures for instruments, including multiple PCBAs for various functions, collaborating with others on FPGA/processor selection, power and clocking schemes, analog and RF front end designs and DAC and ADC
• Collaborate with quantum engineers and other groups to understand system needs, discuss solutions and define design requirements
• Board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer of custom control system hardware.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications and design documentation and assist with reviewing schematics and layout of custom electronic designs.
• Actively participate in the bring-up, verification, and testing of control system hardware systems, collaborating closely with FPGA, firmware, and software engineers.
• Own technical relationships with contract electronics manufacturers and suppliers, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies to support production and scaling operations.
• Mentor other members of the team in hardware design

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design, preferably with Altium Designer., * Self-motivated, collaborative, and driven to work effectively in a fast-growing startup environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
• Willingness to learn physics concepts to put work in context.
• Experience in a full design cycle, from concept and schematic capture through to layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up.
• Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and a keen attention to detail.
• Mixed signal design experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum and logic analyzers, signal generators) for the bring-up and debug of prototype electronics assemblies.
• Capable in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for basic data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test and characterization.
• Experience working on boards with complicated ICs (FPGAs, processors, etc) requiring several power supplies, high speed busses, and high speed memory interfaces

Nice to Haves

• RF front-end and high speed ADC/DAC design experience
• Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software defined radio
• Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, equalization
• Experience designing high speed memory interfaces
• Experience with high speed digital and analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization
• Experience working in a Linux environment
• Familiarity with the MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards, Analog Circuit Design, Analog/Digital Converter, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Best Practices, Circuit Design, Communication Skills, Computer Engineering, Computer Firmware, Contract Manufacturing, Control Systems, Debugging Skills, Dental Insurance, Design Services, Detail Oriented, Digital Circuit Design, Digital/Analog Converter, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Design, Electronics Assembly, Electronics Manufacturing, Equalization, FPGA, Hardware Design, Hardware Quality Assurance, High Level Architecture (HLA), Input/Output, Integrated Circuits (ICs), Linux Operating System, Logic Analyzer, Manufacturing Design, Memory Hardware, Mentoring, Mixed Signal IC Design, Multitasking, Needs Assessment, Oscilloscope, Physics, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Layout, Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Printed Circuit Board Design, Production Support, Prototyping, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Quantum Computing, Radio Frequency, Requirements Management, Schematic Capture, Schematics, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Software Design, Software Engineering, Spectrum Analyzers, Startup, System Architecture, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Hardware, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Automation, Test Equipment, Testing, Transceivers, User Interface Design, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Vision Plan

$170,000 - $200,000 a year

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.