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# Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems

- **Company:** COLDQUANTA, INC. DBA Infleqtion
- **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $190,000 - $230,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Command-Line Interface, Linux, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, CPU Design, Performance Tuning, Quantum Computing, Reliability Engineering, Systems Integration, Visual Systems, Software Version Control
- **Published:** November 10, 2026
- **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/apply/ats-redirect/?id=3062715895-2

## About the Role

* 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, with 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, plus 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.

It is a plus if you have:

 * 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.

## Description

The responsibilities below represent the core scope of the role and may evolve based on business and program needs. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. Staff Quantum Physicists at Infleqtion remain deeply engaged in system development and operation while also providing technical direction, developing team members, and, where applicable, managing a small team. Depending on program needs, a Staff Quantum Physicist may lead the development of a hardware system or provide technical leadership across multiple teams.

 * 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 quantum 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; 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