Senior DSP Engineer
Vector Atomic
Summary
We are seeking a Senior DSP Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of quantum technology. Based on system goals, this engineer will design algorithms for instrument control. This task will combine information from high-level requirements and direct laboratory measurements to address system goals. You will be responsible for developing custom algorithms for systems with limited resources. In addition, this role requires an individual to develop test plans to extract empirical data that will amplify simulation results. While initially focused on research and development, the ultimate objective is to transition to commercial devices. The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor who can take ownership of their tasks while also supporting the overall team goals.
Job description
What You'll Do
- Work with a cross-functional team of physicists, EEs, mechanical engineers, and optical engineers to create next-generation quantum instruments.
- Design signal processing algorithms for precision sensors. The work will include implementations in both CPUs and RTL-based FPGA systems.
- Work with various simulation tools to define and validate customized signal-processing algorithms for a wide-range of sensor applications.
- Work in a team to develop implementations that meet system-level requirements in limited-resource embedded systems. Assist with the translation into RTL or Firmware implementations.
- Define experiments to characterize plant behavior, measure performance metrics, and system identification.
- Collaborate with EEs and Software engineers to identify issues and debug systems.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and five (5) years of experience relevant to signal processing.
- Expert understanding of theory and the practical implementation of signal processing. The candidate should have practical experience with most of the following digital signal processing topics: Lock-in amplifiers, FFTs, FIRs, IIRs, CICs, DDSs, MIMO processing, multi-rate filtering (interpolators and decimators), OFDM, Sampling theory, Kalman filters, modulation, I/Q, harmonics generation, and quantization effects.
- Able to define digital algorithms that can be coded on hardware systems such as FPGAs and CPU-based firmware.
- Must be comfortable working in a dynamic laboratory environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
- US export control laws requires "U.S. Persons" including US citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
Required Skills
- Previous experience designing and optimizing digital signal processing algorithms for embedded instrumentation, with an emphasis on sensors.
- Simulation of signal processing algorithms using MATLAB, Simulink and/or Python.
- Signal analysis background for model identification and parameter extraction.
- Understanding of noise mechanisms in electronic systems. Must be able to estimate noise in systems that include digital, RF and analog sections.
- Define complex signal processing algorithms in fixed-point and variable-bit width environments. Must be able to optimize algorithms for performance while considering resource utilization.
- C/C++, Python and/or Rust coding skills. Practical experience with professional CASE tools including, but not limited to, revision control, bug tracking, and debuggers.
Nice To Have Skills
- Experience working with advanced Inertial Measurement Units (IMUS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), gyroscopes, accelerometers, and GPS units.
- Understanding channel effects and mitigation strategies for free space RF and optical communications systems.
- While this individual will not be directly responsible for detailed RTL coding, some RTL coding background would be a plus.
- Practical experience developing control algorithms such as Kalman Filters, PID and state-space modeling. Able to define measurement strategies to extract plant models for simulation and optimization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)
- Five (5) years of experience relevant to signal processing
- Expert understanding of theory and practical implementation of signal processing
- Practical experience with digital signal processing topics such as Lock-in amplifiers, FFTs, FIRs, IIRs, CICs, DDSs, MIMO processing, multi-rate filtering, OFDM, sampling theory, Kalman filters, modulation, I/Q, harmonics generation, and quantization effects
- Able to define digital algorithms that can be coded on hardware systems such as FPGAs and CPU-based firmware
- Must be comfortable working in a dynamic laboratory environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal
- US export control laws requires "U.S. Persons" including US citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, and certain categories of refugees, and asylees
- Previous experience designing and optimizing digital signal processing algorithms for embedded instrumentation, with an emphasis on sensors
- Simulation of signal processing algorithms using MATLAB, Simulink and/or Python
- Signal analysis background for model identification and parameter extraction
- Understanding of noise mechanisms in electronic systems
- Define complex signal processing algorithms in fixed-point and variable-bit width environments
- C/C++, Python and/or Rust coding skills
- Practical experience with professional CASE tools including revision control, bug tracking, and debuggers
Benefits
- Platinum-level family health coverage
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Health & Dependent Care FSA
- Employer 401(k) contributions
- 20 days PTO
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Stock ownership plan
- 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.