Principal ASIC Design Engineer

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.

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal ASIC Designer to lead the development of critical technologies that power our neutral-atom quantum computers. In this role, you will own the end-to-end design strategy—from requirements definition through silicon bring-up—while driving critical trade-off decisions across performance, power, area, and system integration.

As our first ASIC hire, you will provide strategic guidance to executive stakeholders, shaping our long-term silicon roadmap and defining our internal design methodologies. This position requires deep expertise in mixed-signal ASIC development and a "systems-first" mindset. Reporting to the Hardware Engineering Manager, you’ll collaborate with a world-class group of physicists and engineers to translate quantum gate requirements into production-ready silicon.

This position may be based in Boulder, CO, or Austin, TX. 

• Establish Internal Processes: Define ASIC design methodologies across CAD flow selection, architecture, RTL, verification, and tape-out.

• Vendor & Strategy Ownership: Evaluate and select external partners (Design Houses vs. Pure-play Foundries) and manage the tape-out path (MPW vs. Dedicated mask sets).

• Modeling & Simulation: Develop high-level behavioral models (Matlab/SystemVerilog) to simulate the entire control loop and RF signal chain before committing to silicon.

• Hands-on Design: Lead microarchitecture and RTL development for proprietary, low-latency RF pulse sequence generation.

• Verification Leadership: Own the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) strategy and formal verification to ensure first-pass functional success.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with quantum physicists and optical engineers to understand use cases and deliver hardware that meets stringent fidelity requirements.

• Roadmap Management: Manage subsystem delivery schedules for both commercial and research projects.

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of post-degree experience in hardware engineering, specifically in ASIC/SoC environments.

• ASIC Lifecycle: Proven track record of leading at least 2 complete, full-flow tape-outs.
• Mixed-Signal Expertise: Deep experience with high-speed ADCs/DACs (GSPS+) and direct RF sampling architectures.
• Node Experience: Familiarity with nodes optimized for Analog/RF (e.g., TSMC 28nm/16nm or GlobalFoundries FDX).
• Verification Mastery: Deep understanding of constrained-random verification (UVM) and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Tools: Expert-level proficiency with Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys, or Siemens EDA design suites.
• Startup Mindset: Self-motivated, collaborative, and comfortable with the ambiguity of a fast-growing, early-stage company.
• Bonus: Experience with cryogenic CMOS, software-defined radio (SDR), or quantum control systems.

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 $180,000 - $220,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.