Quantum Physicist (Quantum Computing)
Chicago, ILJob$135–170K/yrPosted 2w agoStill listed 3 days ago
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Job overview
Infleqtion is seeking a quantum physicist to advance its quantum computing mission by developing atom-based quantum technologies. The role focuses on designing, operating, and improving neutral-atom quantum computing systems and conducting research and development across processor hardware, gate protocols, lasers, optics, calibration, control, and integration. The candidate will plan and analyze experiments, develop Python tools, own subsystems, and collaborate across engineering teams.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Infleqtion is 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 seeking self-motivated, energetic individuals with exceptional problem-solving and technical skills to help drive our Quantum Computing mission forward. We encourage applications from experimental physicists with expertise in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics, particularly those with experience in the coherent control of quantum systems such as ultracold atoms, trapped ions, and diamond NV centers. Role and Responsibilities
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Design, build, calibrate, operate, and improve neutral-atom quantum computing systems and subsystems.
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Execute R&D projects involving quantum processor hardware, quantum-gate protocols, laser and optical systems, calibration, control, or system integration.
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Translate defined technical goals into experimental plans, subsystem requirements, and measurable performance targets.
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Design and analyze experiments and physics-based models to understand system behavior and guide technical decisions.
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Independently execute well-defined technical work from planning through implementation and validation.
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Develop Python-based tools for experiment control, data analysis, calibration, automation, and hardware integration.
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Own assigned subsystems through testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, documentation, and routine operation.
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Collaborate with physics, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems-engineering teams.
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Provide technical guidance to junior team members and supervise interns as appropriate.
Requirements
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PhD in atomic, optical, AMO, quantum physics, or a related field, or at least four years of comparable research or professional experience.
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Hands-on experience conducting experiments involving atomic, optical, quantum, or precision-measurement systems.
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Experience applying quantitative atomic or optical physics models to experimental design or to the specification of laser, optical, RF, or control systems.
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Hands-on experience with lasers and optical systems, together with related technologies such as acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators, RF instrumentation, imaging systems, or ultra-high-vacuum equipment.
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Experience using Python for experiment control, data analysis, automation, or hardware integration.
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Evidence of designing and analyzing physics experiments or developing an experimental subsystem.
It is a plus if you have:
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Experience with neutral atoms, trapped ions, Rydberg physics, optical tweezers, quantum-gate protocols, or another coherent-control platform.
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Experience with high-power or short-wavelength lasers and optical power-delivery systems.
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Experience characterizing or mitigating laser-frequency, phase, pointing, or intensity noise.
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Experience with analog electronics, RF systems, or feedback control.
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Experience with high-numerical-aperture imaging, beam shaping, or optical projection.
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Experience integrating optical, electronic, vacuum, control, and software subsystems.
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Familiarity with Linux, Git, command-line tools, and collaborative software-development practices.
If you are overqualified for this role, consider applying to our senior-level role
Note This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations for quantum computing technology. Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. We ask that candidates be able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements. TRAVEL Up to 10% travel may be required. NOTE: Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Benefits
- Salary Range: per year 135,000 - 170,000
- 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
Notice to Recruitment Agencies: Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
How this job compares
Set against the 1,373 open Research and Development jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 4, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$135–170K/yr
- Illinois median$110–141K/yr42 salary ranges
- US median$118–170K/yr717 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $153K, is 22% above the Illinois median midpoint ($125K) — in the middle half of Research and Development salary ranges in Illinois.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 54 open Research and Development jobs in Illinois and 1,373 across the US. 3% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Experience
- Research and Development postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 3 to 8 years (898 postings).
- Education
- 729 of the 1,373 open Research and Development jobs (53%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 4, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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