Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems Lead

Staff Quantum Physicist, Hardware Systems Lead at Infleqtion, Chicago, Illinois, United States. A lead-level full time position in the Quantum Computing team, listed under business operations. Help Infleqtion build the future of quantum in Illinois. We are on a mission to commercialize atom-based quantum technologies that deliver orders-of-magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to innovation. We are deploying a neutral-atom quantum computer in Chicago and are seeking a leader to build, manage, and develop the team that will bring it to life. You will lead the hardware team’s technical execution and people's development. You will collaborate with our facilities and project management personnel to help the new team succeed at our new Chicago quantum hardware lab. Your primary responsibility will be to enable a talented team to succeed. You will set up technical priorities, shape and ratify high-impact technical decisions, coach and develop team members, and create an environment where physicists and engineers can do their best work. You will also partner with experts across Infleqtion to advance our neutral-atom quantum computing systems. We value demonstrated people leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to deliver through a team above any single technical specialization. A strong scientific or engineering foundation is essential, along with the curiosity and credibility to lead experts working on complex quantum systems. For candidates excited to make Chicago their next home, we are willing to provide relocation assistance for the right candidate. Role and Responsibilities This is a quantum hardware leadership and people-management role with technical oversight. You will be accountable for team performance, employee development, and execution at our new Chicago lab, while remaining close enough to the technical work to guide decisions and remove obstacles. Responsibilities may evolve as the effort grows, and the program needs to change. Lead the Chicago Quantum Systems Team, Guide Technical Development, and Deliver Results Requirements Demonstrated success managing and developing technical teams, including direct responsibility for goal setting, performance feedback, coaching, and career growth. Experience leading complex experimental hardware projects from ambiguous objectives to measurable results. Ability to build trust, delegate effectively, address challenges constructively, and bring together people with different areas of expertise. Strong planning and execution skills, including prioritizing work, managing competing demands, and coordinating across disciplines. Clear communication with both specialist and non-specialist audiences. A strong technical foundation in quantum physics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics or a related field, sufficient to guide technical discussions and evaluate tradeoffs. A PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent professional experience; typically, five or more years of relevant post-PhD experience or comparable experience leading complex scientific or engineering systems. Nice to Have Experience establishing a new laboratory, opening a technical office, or growing a research and development team. Experience with neutral-atom quantum computing, Rydberg physics, optical-tweezer arrays, quantum-gate characterization, or related processor architectures. Experience with coherent control of quantum systems, including ultracold atoms, trapped ions, or diamond NV centers. Familiarity with lasers, optical systems, RF instrumentation, ultra-high-vacuum systems, and the integration of complex experimental platforms. Familiarity with Python, Linux, and tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, and automation. Experience contributing to proposals, patents, technical roadmaps, customer discussions, or government-funded R&D. Benefits 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability Employer-funded Health Savings Account Unlimited PTO 401(k) match Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance Flexible Savings Account Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave Employee Assistance Program Student Loan Repayment Equity Program #J-18808-Ljbffr Infleqtion