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 Senior Quantum Application Engineer to contribute to the realization of practical fault-tolerant quantum computing. Reporting to the Quantum Error Correction Manager, you will work alongside our Quantum Error Correction, Software, and Compilation teams to drive the development of scalable neutral-atom quantum computers.
Applications will be considered for our Berkeley, CA or Boulder, CO office.
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Job Responsibilities
- Evaluating resources required to run fault-tolerant algorithms on neutral atom hardware
- Contributing to the development of strategies for optimizing and running quantum algorithms
- Researching ways to improve, extend, or generalize quantum algorithms
- Working to implement near-term demonstrations of fault-tolerant algorithms
Experience & Education
- PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 3+ years of relevant industry experience
- Experience with the theory of fault-tolerant quantum computation.
Qualifications
- Strong background in quantum algorithms, potentially including applications to cryptography, chemistry, materials physics, etc.
- Ability to translate abstract concepts into demonstrations running on actual quantum computing hardware.
- Temperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and having a high tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
- Familiarity with Python and Git software version control
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$185,000 - $210,000 a year
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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 $185,000 - $210,000, 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 emergence of Senior Quantum Applications Engineers represents a critical bridge in the deep-tech sector between abstract quantum error correction methodologies and hardware-specific algorithmic execution. As scalable platforms advance, the value chain requires specialized expertise to translate theoretical computational advantage into predictable, physical demonstrations. This role type serves as a primary stabilization mechanism within the application enablement layer, addressing the critical integration bottleneck between quantum compilation stacks and emerging physical processors. Market signals from national technology strategies indicate that mitigating resource overhead for fault-tolerant algorithms is essential for commercial viability. By optimizing software-hardware co-design, this function reduces execution risks and establishes the foundation for industrial deployment. Current industry focus lies on bridging classical and quantum capabilities at scale to ensure long-term commercial readiness.
The quantum information science landscape is undergoing a structured transition from laboratory-scale verification to system-level integration. Within the value chain, application engineering occupies a high-leverage node where software frameworks interface directly with specific physical architectures, such as neutral-atom arrays or superconducting loops. The primary bottleneck for the sector has shifted from isolated qubit counts to the scalability of logical qubits, requiring coordinated optimization across the entire compilation stack.
Sector-wide efforts continue to address talent and integration challenges in quantum systems, particularly as organizations attempt to implement early fault-tolerant protocols. This transition is constrained by vendor fragmentation and a lack of standardized benchmarking rules, which introduces systemic compatibility risks. Consequently, the ecosystem relies heavily on roles that stabilize the translation pathway between high-level algorithmic concepts and low-level control systems.
Furthermore, public-private funding cycles and national security frameworks place a premium on establishing repeatable technology readiness level progression. The availability of engineers who can navigate cross-functional dependencies between hardware teams and error-correction theorists determines the throughput of the entire development cycle. This layer of expertise enables organizations to move beyond NISQ-era limitations and prepare for enterprise-grade deployment.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the synchronization of quantum algorithmic design with the constraints of physical hardware layouts. Mastery of the hardware-agnostic software layer is essential for ensuring that high-level applications are compiled efficiently, accounting for gate fidelities, connectivity maps, and error mitigation protocols. This structural function requires deep integration with version control systems and agile engineering workflows to maintain code reproducibility across changing hardware baselines.
These capabilities are essential for accelerating the development loop within deep-tech organizations, as they enable the systematic evaluation of resource overhead before capital allocation. By establishing robust verification frameworks, this function ensures that abstract algorithmic structures are compatible with physical execution constraints. Ultimately, this cross-functional coupling minimizes the iteration friction between hardware engineering, compilation, and practical software application layers. - Accelerates the transition from theoretical quantum algorithms to hardware-validated implementations
- Mitigates system-level deployment risks by optimizing resource allocation for fault-tolerant protocols
- Facilitates cross-functional alignment between error correction teams and hardware engineering groups
- Enhances the stability of software compilation stacks across evolving physical layouts
- Reduces iteration friction within the application enablement layer of deep-tech organizations
- Stabilizes technology readiness level progression through systematic algorithmic benchmarking
- Minimizes resource overhead required for execution on early physical quantum processors
- Supports the standardisation of verification protocols within the emerging software ecosystem
- Optimizes the performance of hybrid classical-quantum workflows for high-compute industries
- Strengthens organizational capability to demonstrate early practical quantum advantage benchmarks
- Lowers execution barriers for downstream enterprise application developers in the value chain
- Protects long-term research investments by establishing repeatable validation frameworksIndustry Tags: Quantum Computing, Algorithmic Optimization, Fault-Tolerant Architecture, Software-Hardware Co-Design, Systems Integration, Quantum Error Correction, Compilation Stacks, Value Chain Enablement
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