Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum

Vector Atomic is building quantum hardware to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. In 2025, we joined IonQ [NYSE: IONQ], the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier – delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security.

Our scientists, engineers, software developers, and operations professionals collaborate to deliver real-world solutions. We value ingenuity, diverse skillsets, and teamwork. Every team member can make an immediate impact while growing professionally. Join us to build breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

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.

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area)

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems
• Sensor integration, bring-up, and optimization; data analysis
• Analyze and simulate of atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities
• Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real-world environments

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 12+ years of related academic or industry experience
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
• To comply with 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 work onsite full-time at our office in Pleasanton, CA (SF Bay Area)

Preferred Experience (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

Benefits

Vector Atomic offers competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range
The base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $215,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.