Staff Scientist - Quantum
Vector Atomic
Summary
We're hiring driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to play a key role in building ultraprecise quantum devices for autonomous navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on position offers the opportunity to contribute to all stages of development, from concept to deployment.
Job description
What You'll Do
- Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems
- Sensor integration, bring-up, and optimization; data analysis
- Analyze and simulate atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities
- Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real-world environments
What We're Looking For
- PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 8-12 years of related academic or industry 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 (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal
Hands-on expertise with several of the following
- Atomic clocks and inertial sensors
- Atomic ovens, beams, and/or vapor cells
- Laser cooling and trapping
- Precision spectroscopy
- Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
- Narrow linewidth lasers and laser frequency stabilization
- Optics, fiber optics, electro/acousto-optics, detectors
- Analog, digital, and RF electronics
- Control systems and instrumentation
- Mechanical design
Requirements
- PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 8-12 years of related academic or industry experience
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (export control compliance)
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal
- Hands-on expertise with several of: atomic clocks and inertial sensors, atomic ovens/beams/vapor cells, laser cooling and trapping, precision spectroscopy, UHV systems, narrow linewidth lasers and frequency stabilization, optics/fiber optics/electro-optics, analog/digital/RF electronics, control systems and instrumentation, mechanical design
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
- 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.