Associate Engineer - Electrical

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Help turn breakthrough quantum physics into robust products. At Vector Atomic, you’ll design ultra–low-noise, low-power analog and mixed-signal electronics that enable GPS-free navigation, precision timing, and high-bandwidth communications. You’ll own designs from concept to production in a fast-moving, lab-centric environment.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with physicists, firmware, optics, and mechanical teams to architect electronics for quantum instruments and precision INS.
• Design, simulate, and validate low-noise analog front ends, data-converter paths, and mixed-signal control loops.
• Create schematics and perform placement/routing in Altium for complex, space-constrained PCBAs.
• Build robust power trees and POL supplies with tight ripple, transient, and efficiency targets.
• Apply signal integrity and EMI/EMC best practices: grounding, return paths, filtering, shielding, and layout constraints.
• Bring up, characterize, and debug boards using oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, SMUs, and logic analyzers.
• Write basic automation scripts (Python) for characterization and data logging.
• Document requirements, design notes, test plans, and manufacturing handoff; support prototype-to-production transition.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field plus 0–2 years of hands-on hardware experience. Significant involvement in Senior Design projects or technical extracurriculars (e.g., Robotics, Formula SAE) is highly valued.
• To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
• Comfortable in a lab environment; clear written and verbal communication.

Required Expertise (you don’t need all to apply):

• Analog/mixed-signal design fundamentals: op-amps, references, filters, instrumentation amps.
• Power basics: buck/boost/LDO regulators, ripple/transient control, protection (OV/OC/UV).
• Data converters: integrating precision ADCs/DACs; sampling and anti-aliasing fundamentals.
• Noise and precision: 1/f and thermal noise, PSRR/CMRR, grounding and shielding practices.
• PCB design in Altium: schematics, footprint/library use, placement and routing for signal integrity.
• SPICE simulation (e.g., LTspice) for verification and tolerance analysis.
• Lab skills: oscilloscopes, supplies, DMMs; methodical bring-up and debugging.

Nice to have (great to learn on the job):

• Signal integrity/EMI: impedance control, stackup selection, crosstalk and return-path management.
• Power specialization: sequencing, current sensing, thermal management, low-power techniques.
• RF/microwave basics: LO distribution, mixers, phase noise, shielding.
• Embedded familiarity: I2C/SPI/UART bring-up, reading datasheets; basic Python for test automation.
• FPGA/MCU board design and high-speed interfaces (e.g., LVDS).
• DFM/DFT, manufacturing processes, and reliability/environmental testing.

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off & 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $95,000 to $120,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits.  It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.