Electrical Engineer
Vector Atomic
Summary
Vector Atomic is hiring electrical engineers to build ultraprecise quantum devices for applications that include autonomous/GPS-free navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on role requires strong electronic design skills with emphasis on analog and mixed-signal circuits. We are seeking strong individual contributors who can take ownership of their work while supporting overall team goals. Vector Atomic produces a large volume of custom PCBAs for both manufacturing and R&D projects.
Job description
What You'll Do
- Work with a cross-functional team of physicists, electronics engineers, firmware programmers and optical engineers to create next-generation quantum instruments.
- Design, implement and verify analog and mixed signal circuits for precision INS instruments. This work requires an understanding of electronic noise sources, measurement techniques and mitigation strategies.
- Develop schematics in Altium. Apply layout techniques to improve signal integrity.
- Select parts and work with purchasing to procure, fabricate and assemble PCBAs.
- Assist with board bring-up and debugging. Use laboratory test equipment such as scopes, signal generators and spectrum analyzers to test and validate your designs.
- Document results and create test procedures to collaborate with software engineers and provide support and technical guidance as they program and interact with your circuits.
- Contribute to our goals of continuous improvement by documenting issues, rework and feature requests using project tracking tools.
What We're Looking For
- BSEE/MSEE Degree with substantial course/lab/intern work in analog circuit design. Other technical degrees will be considered, with 2+ years of directly relevant experience.
- To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
- Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
Required expertise
- Experience using Altium design tools to create schematics, BOMS and layouts for complex PCBAs. Must be able and willing to perform placement and routing in Altium to meet complex performance requirements.
- Expertise with analog and mixed-signal circuit design.
- Training/expertise with POL power supply circuit design.
- Simulation of circuits using Spice.
- Laboratory test and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators and DVMs.
Nice-to-have expertise
- Design training/expertise with EDA tools for signal integrity
- Experience designing boards with Microcontrollers and FPGAs
- Previous expertise with low-power design techniques and power supply design is a plus.
- Experience writing test code for scripting languages such as Python or TCL to control laboratory equipment.
Requirements
- BSEE/MSEE Degree with substantial course/lab/intern work in analog circuit design
- Other technical degrees considered with 2+ years of directly relevant experience
- Must be U.S. citizen or lawful U.S. permanent resident (export control)
- Must be comfortable working in a laboratory environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal
- Experience using Altium design tools to create schematics, BOMs and layouts for complex PCBAs
- Must be able and willing to perform placement and routing in Altium
- Expertise with analog and mixed-signal circuit design
- Training/expertise with POL power supply circuit design
- Simulation of circuits using Spice
- Laboratory test and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators and DVMs
Benefits
- Platinum-level family health coverage
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employer 401(k) contributions
- 20 days PTO
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Fully stocked kitchen
Company overview
Vector Atomic is a pioneering quantum technology company founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California. The company specializes in commercializing quantum technology for real-world applications, with a primary focus on GPS-free navigation, telecommunications, and computing solutions. Vector Atomic develops advanced quantum sensors, atomic clocks, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems that leverage the exquisite properties of quantum systems. Their flagship products include the Evergreen-30, the world's first fully integrated commercial optical clock, and quantum inertial measurement units (IMUs) designed to provide standalone navigation capabilities without reliance on GNSS. The company has secured over $200 million in government contracts and works closely with defense agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency, and DARPA. Vector Atomic's technology delivers precise picosecond timing with 1,000x improvement in GPS accuracy, making their systems deployable and field-validated for space, submarine, and airborne applications. In 2025, the company was acquired by IonQ, bringing over 75 specialized scientists, engineers, and operators to expand IonQ's quantum technology platform.