Senior AMO Physicist in Harwell

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world's most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables "quantum everywhere" through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. Our mission is to commercialise atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance and computing applications.

Location: Infleqtion has offices in the USA, United Kingdom, and Australia. This is a full-time position split between our Kidlington, Oxford office and the National Quantum Computing Centre, Harwell. Work from home permitted up to 2 days per week based on business needs and manager approval.

As part of our strategy for growth in the UK, we are expanding our Physics Department and recruiting an experimental Senior AMO Physicist to join our neutral atom quantum computing team. In this role, you will actively contribute to ongoing research projects and assist in the exploration of new concepts and approaches for future quantum computing systems. Working closely with a team of physicists and engineers, you will play a vital role in the collaborative efforts of the team.

Job Responsibilities

• Project Support: Translate product requirements into atomic system designs. Execute modelling, simulation, and analytical calculations to design systems required to meet product performance. Execute and analyse AMO physics experiments on complex systems. Design and execute testing and verification plans. Integrate complex opto-mechanical systems, electronics, and software into quantum devices. Perform technical tasks needed for the success of the project from equipment setup to system demonstration. Identify materials and components to meet project requirements. Document project progress and identify, track and resolve any project issues.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with team members against tight deadlines. Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams to develop commercial and non-commercial products and/or draft new quantum-led projects. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where priorities may shift based on project needs and technological advancements. Open to learning new techniques, integrating feedback, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to navigate ambiguity effectively. Ability to assess complex situations, adapt quickly, and make informed decisions under uncertainty.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Contribute to external reports and publications, author/co-author papers, proposals, presentations and reports, give invited talks, attend project workshops and conferences. Explain and present complex quantum systems to internal and external stakeholders with a wide range of technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Requirements

• Technical Knowledge: PhD in experimental atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics. Atom trapping using tightly focused laser beams. Familiarity with laser locking techniques. CW high-power lasers. Rydberg physics and their interactions. Working knowledge of control systems and signal processing. Proficiency in a programming language (e.g. Python, Rust, C++). Proficient in MS Office. Ability to problem-solve and debug complex systems comprised of optics, analogue and digital electronics, software and quantum devices. Entrepreneurial drive, intellectual agility and personal eagerness to develop with the needs of the business. Good verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively share information with technical and non-technical staff, both in writing and orally. Good collaboration skills, able to work in a team environment where engagement and participation are an expected part of successful job performance.
• Experience: Demonstrable laboratory experience manipulating atoms, ions, or molecules with light. Proven track record of integrating complex hardware and software into systems. Familiarity with mechanical, optical, and electronic design packages (e.g. Solidworks, Zemax, Altium). Prior experience in project management is a plus. Understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) practices and modelling workplace safety culture.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 15 kg without assistance. 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.

Equal Opportunity: Infleqtion is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We emphasize that we value diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

Benefits: In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes: Competitive salary, Unlimited PTO subject to fair usage, Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution, Cycle to work scheme, Tax efficient technology schemes, Incentive Stock Option Plan, BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you! Apply, and we’ll be in touch. If you need assistance or accommodation, please feel free to contact us at uk-hr@infleqtion.com.