At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
We are seeking a FPGA engineer to assist in the implementation of the control systems for our quantum computers. This position will report to the Control Systems Manager.
Candidates will also be considered for Atom's location in Austin, TX and Berkeley, CA.
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Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and test FPGA-based control functions for high-speed arbitrary waveform generation, image acquisition, and digital control loops
- Design efficient communications interfaces for software control, analysis, and monitoring
- Develop functional block specifications based on system level requirements
- Perform logic design and verification using Vivado (SystemVerilog and IP Catalog)
- Write test procedures, perform component and system level testing and debug, document test results
Experience & Education
- BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Experimental Physics, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant postgraduate professional experience.
Qualifications
- Temperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and with a high tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty.
- Proficiency with RTL (SystemVerilog preferred, VHDL acceptable)
- Expertise in FPGA, microprocessor, and related digital circuit design and functions
- Experience with Xilinx Vivado and Zynq SoCs
- Familiarity with Git version control and FPGA design best practices.
- Integration, debug, and test experience with prototype electronics assemblies.
- Programming skills including C, C++, and Python in a Linux environment
- Willingness to learn atomic, optical, laser physics, and quantum mechanics concepts to put work in context.
- RF electronics / software-defined radio experience are pluses.
- Analog electronics design experience is a plus
- Experience with embedded Linux (Yocto) a plus
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Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
The base salary range for this position is between $140,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The structural evolution of quantum computing architectures toward practical utility is currently gated by the precision and scalability of classical control stacks. This role type serves as a critical bridge within the hardware-software interface, translating abstract algorithmic requirements into deterministic electronic signals required for qubit manipulation. By engineering high-throughput, low-latency control logic, these experts enable the transition from laboratory-scale experiments to industrial-grade systems. Market analysis identifies this domain as a primary bottleneck in the quantum value chain, where the convergence of radio-frequency engineering and digital logic directly influences the path toward fault tolerance. As the sector moves toward thousands of qubits, the structural necessity for advanced FPGA integration increases, serving as the foundational layer for real-time error correction and system-level synchronization.
The quantum hardware ecosystem is undergoing a transition from monolithic, prototype-based assemblies to modular, heterogenous architectures that demand sophisticated orchestration. Within the control systems layer, the primary challenge shifted from basic signal generation to the management of massive data streams and complex feedback loops. Sector-level observations indicate that while qubit modalities vary—ranging from superconducting circuits to neutral atom arrays—the dependency on high-performance programmable logic remains a universal constant. This commonality has led to the emergence of a specialized tier of hardware engineering focused on custom SoC designs and high-bandwidth communication protocols that can sustain the stringent timing requirements of quantum coherent states.
Macro-level workforce intelligence highlights a widening gap between traditional semiconductor expertise and the specific requirements of the quantum stack. Institutional reports from bodies like the QED-C emphasize that the industry's ability to scale is contingent on industrializing the "classical-quantum interface." This involves mitigating systemic risks associated with noise and signal crosstalk through rigorous digital signal processing. Furthermore, as national quantum strategies pivot toward sovereign capability and infrastructure security, the development of robust, vendor-neutral control frameworks has become a strategic priority. This shift is driving a move toward hybrid classical-quantum cloud fabrics where FPGAs act as the primary accelerators for the control and readout of quantum processors.
The capability architecture for this role centers on the integration of advanced RTL development with the physics of high-fidelity qubit control. Mastery of programmable logic environments and system-on-chip architectures is essential for ensuring the interoperability of hardware components within a larger compute fabric. These technical domains facilitate the structural throughput of quantum research by providing the stable, reproducible electronic environment necessary for algorithmic benchmarking. This interface ensures that scientific breakthroughs are supported by an engineering roadmap focused on scalability, reliability, and modularity, which are critical for the eventual commercialization of quantum technologies.
Standardizes the translation of high-level quantum circuits into deterministic hardware-level pulse sequences
Accelerates the progression of technology readiness levels for modular and scalable quantum control architectures
Mitigates systemic integration risks by establishing high-bandwidth communication between classical and quantum layers
Reduces computational latency within the feedback loop required for active quantum error correction protocols
Facilitates the development of hardware-agnostic control frameworks to reduce long-term vendor dependency
Optimizes the resource efficiency of digital logic to support the control of increasing qubit counts
Strengthens the reliability of quantum-classical hybrid systems through rigorous hardware verification and testing
Supports the industrialization of the quantum stack by transitioning from lab-scale prototypes to production-ready units
Improves signal fidelity and qubit coherence times through precision digital signal processing and noise engineering
Shortens the iteration cycle for hardware-software co-design in emerging quantum computing modalities
Protects capital-intensive investments in quantum hardware by ensuring architectural flexibility and reconfigurability
Enables the strategic orchestration of complex multi-system synchronization across large-scale quantum networks
Industry Tags: Quantum Control Systems, FPGA Engineering, RTL Development, Digital Signal Processing, SoC Architecture, Hardware-Software Integration, Neutral Atom Computing, Quantum Scalability, Electronic Design Automation
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