Principal Hardware Engineer: High Speed Mixed Signal Designer

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing by building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms.

About the role

This is a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer position with specific expertise in high-speed mixed-signal design. You will lead the architecture, implementation, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer, driving hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining deeply engaged in tactical engineering work. This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and reports to the Control Systems Manager.

Responsibilities

• Design high-level system architectures for instruments, focusing on analog and RF front-end designs, including signal conditioning, amplification stages, DAC/ADC selection, power and clocking schemes, and control/monitoring circuitry.
• Own the research, simulation, prototyping, evaluation, and design of high-speed mixed-signal front ends for driving high-speed, high-resolution analog signals interfacing with lasers and actuators.
• Lead PCB-level design (collaborating with layout designers) of multi-gigabit transceiver interfaces (10+ Gbps) between FPGAs and data converters, including stackup, via/connect transitions, and routing topology, and validate signal quality and crosstalk using S-parameter-based channel analysis.
• Design, characterize, and optimize for low phase noise, spurious content, and linearity in high-speed data-converter designs, including clock PLL/distribution phase noise, power-supply/reference noise coupling, and gain/signal conditioning stages.
• Collaborate with quantum engineers and other teams to define hardware design requirements and discuss solutions.
• Perform board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer for custom control system hardware.
• Actively participate in bring-up, verification, and testing of control system hardware, working closely with FPGA, firmware, and software engineers.
• Manage technical relationships with contract electronics manufacturers and suppliers, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies to support production and scaling.
• Mentor team members in high-speed mixed-signal front-end design to expand their expertise.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design, preferably using Altium Designer.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and driven to work effectively in a fast-growing startup environment.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
• Experience in a full design cycle: concept, schematic capture, layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up.
• Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and keen attention to detail.
• Mixed-signal design experience.
• Proficiency with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum/logic analyzers, signal generators) for bring-up and debug of prototype electronics.
• Capable in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test/characterization.
• Experience working with complex ICs (FPGAs, processors) requiring multiple power supplies, high-speed busses, and memory interfaces.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software-defined radio.
• Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, and equalization.
• Experience with IBIS-AMI modeling and correlation for multi-gigabit serial interfaces.
• Experience designing high-speed memory interfaces.
• Experience with high-speed digital/analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization.
• Experience working in a Linux environment.
• Familiarity with MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401K company matching.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• FSA and dependent care benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Daily drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches.

Pay

Base salary range: $180,000 – $220,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Additional compensation includes an annual bonus and company equity.