Head of Photonics

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 Head of Photonics to establish and lead Atom Computing's integrated photonics program. Scaling neutral-atom quantum computers is a problem of controlling light: delivering fast, precise, independent optical control to very large numbers of qubits. Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are central to our scaling roadmap, and we are investing in them for the long term. You will own the company's photonics strategy: selecting material platforms and architectures, and leading development programs from concept to hardware running in our quantum computers. You will build an in-house team with design, test, and integration capability, and direct technical collaborations with foundries and photonics companies. You will work closely with the physicists and engineers who translate qubit requirements into device specifications. Prior experience in atomic physics or quantum computing is not required. Responsibilities Define and own the integrated photonics roadmap. Assess competing material platforms and architectures against system-level requirements, and make clear, well-reasoned downselect decisionsLead PIC development programs from specification through design, fabrication, test, packaging, and integration into our quantum computersBuild and lead an in-house photonics team, and establish its design, simulation, test, and integration capabilitiesServe as technical lead for external partnerships with foundries, materials suppliers, and photonics companies: scope development efforts, write and negotiate specifications, review designs, and hold partners to performance and scheduleScout and evaluate emerging photonic technologies that could open new approaches to qubit controlGenerate intellectual property and communicate results internally and, as appropriate, in publications and presentationsCapable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds Experience & Education PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Physics, or a related field8+ years of post-PhD experience in integrated photonics in industry or a leading research group, including leading PIC programs from concept to fabricated, tested devicesDemonstrated experience building and leading technical teams Required Qualifications Recognized expertise in integrated photonics, with command of the full landscape: material platforms, foundry ecosystems, and the current state of the art in modulators, nonlinear devices, and large-scale photonic circuitsHands-on track record designing, taping out, and characterizing PICs through external foundries or internal fabsDeep understanding of high-performance electro-optic modulation and/or integrated nonlinear opticsProven ability to manage external development partners, including writing specifications and driving multi-party programs to scheduleSound technical judgment: comfortable making high-stakes platform decisions with incomplete information, and defending them with dataAbility to communicate clearly with physicists, engineers, executives, and external partners Preferred Qualifications Experience with visible or near-infrared integrated photonicsExperience across multiple material platforms, such as thin-film electro-optic materials, silicon nitride, and heterogeneous integrationExperience with large-scale photonic circuits and with interfacing PICs to free-space opticsExperience with high-speed RF drive, photonic packaging, and fiber and free-space couplingEstablished relationships across photonics foundries, academic groups, and startupsExperience in a fast-paced hardware development or startup environment 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, we offer unlimited paid time off, 401(k) 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 $230,000 - $275,000 commensurate with experience. In addition, we offer a 25% annual bonus, sign-on bonus, additional bonus potential and incentive stock options for equity in the company. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.