Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems Lead

Location: Chicago, IL Salary: $180,000.00 USD Annually - $230,000.00 USD Annually Description:
Overview
An innovative quantum computing organization is seeking a leader to build, manage, and develop a team responsible for deploying and operating a next-generation neutral-atom quantum computer in Chicago. This individual will oversee technical execution, team development, and operational success within a new quantum hardware laboratory.

The ideal candidate is a people-focused engineering or scientific leader who can establish technical priorities, guide strategic decisions, mentor high-performing physicists and engineers, and foster an environment where multidisciplinary teams can thrive.

This role combines technical oversight with strong leadership responsibilities, requiring both a solid scientific foundation and demonstrated success leading complex hardware development programs.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates interested in moving to the Chicago area.

Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Program Execution

• Lead the Chicago-based quantum hardware team responsible for deploying and operating advanced quantum computing systems.
• Establish effective team processes, operational readiness, and a culture centered on accountability, collaboration, scientific rigor, and open communication.
• Manage a team of up to six direct reports, providing coaching, mentorship, performance management, and career development.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard physicists and engineers to support organizational growth.
• Collaborate closely with software, hardware, facilities, and project management teams to ensure successful execution of program objectives.
• Translate strategic goals into clear technical priorities, milestones, staffing plans, and risk mitigation strategies.

Technical Leadership

• Guide the development, integration, commissioning, and operation of neutral-atom quantum computing systems.
• Support technical decision-making across hardware disciplines while leveraging subject matter experts throughout the organization.
• Drive improvements in system performance, reliability, availability, stability, and gate fidelity.
• Ensure rigorous approaches to experimentation, troubleshooting, validation, and system optimization.
• Contribute to technical roadmaps, intellectual property development, proposals, and external technical engagements.
• Participate in hands-on problem-solving when necessary while maintaining primary focus on team leadership and delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing technical teams, including performance management, coaching, goal setting, and employee growth.
• Track record of delivering complex experimental hardware programs from concept through implementation.
• Strong ability to build trust, delegate effectively, resolve challenges, and bring together cross-functional technical teams.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and execution skills.
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong technical foundation in quantum physics, atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics, or a closely related discipline.
• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Typically 5+ years of post-PhD experience, or comparable experience leading advanced scientific or engineering programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates do not need expertise in every area below; the ability to lead highly specialized technical experts is most important.

• Experience launching a new laboratory, research facility, or technical organization.
• Experience with neutral-atom quantum computing, Rydberg physics, optical-tweezer arrays, quantum gate characterization, or related quantum processor architectures.
• Experience with coherent control of quantum systems such as ultracold atoms, trapped ions, or diamond NV centers.
• Familiarity with:
  • Laser systems
  • Advanced optical systems
  • RF instrumentation
  • Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
  • Integration of complex experimental platforms
• Experience working with Python, Linux, automation tools, experiment control systems, calibration platforms, and scientific data analysis environments.
• Background contributing to patents, government-funded R&D programs, customer-facing technical discussions, or strategic technology roadmaps.

Why This Opportunity

• Build and shape a new quantum hardware operation in Chicago from the ground up.
• Lead and develop a talented team of scientists and engineers working on cutting-edge quantum technologies.
• Play a critical role in advancing the development of scalable, high-performance quantum computing systems.
• Influence both technical strategy and organizational growth within a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.

Additional Information

Travel: Up to 10%

Work Environment: Primarily office and laboratory settings, working around advanced technical equipment including lasers, computing systems, and experimental hardware.

Export Control Notice: Employment may require access to technologies regulated under U.S. export control laws. Eligibility to access controlled technology without sponsorship may be required.

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