Engineer - R&D
Vector Atomic
Summary
We are actively seeking versatile R&D Engineers to build ultra-precise quantum devices for autonomous/GPS-free navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This is a jack-of-all-trades role demanding a skilled and flexible engineer ready to thrive in a dynamic R&D environment.
Job description
What You'll Do
- Build and test optical, electrical, or vacuum systems
- Systems integration of electronics controller with sensors
- Set-up test equipment; automate data collection
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field plus 2-5 years relevant work 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
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal
Hands-on experience with several of the following
- Lasers and optics, electronics, and/or vacuum systems in an R&D environment
- Laser and optical system prototyping
- Electronic test instrumentation such including oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power supplies and voltmeters
- Experience designing, building, and working with electromechanical assemblies
- System integration, bring-up, and debugging
- Basic bring-up of PCB boards
- Electromechanical design of custom/semi-custom enclosures for electronic assemblies that address issues of shielding, grounding and thermal constraints
- Design and build of custom cabling and interface boards
- Computer-aided design
- Basic machining skill
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field
- 2-5 years relevant work experience
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (export control compliance)
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Hands-on experience with lasers and optics, electronics, and/or vacuum systems in an R&D environment
- Laser and optical system prototyping
- Electronic test instrumentation (oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power supplies, voltmeters)
- Designing, building, and working with electromechanical assemblies
- System integration, bring-up, and debugging
- Basic bring-up of PCB boards
- Electromechanical design of custom/semi-custom enclosures addressing shielding, grounding, and thermal constraints
- Design and build of custom cabling and interface boards
- Computer-aided design
- Basic machining skill
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.