Principal System Integration and Test Lead

Responsibilities

Own whole-system integration across optics, laser delivery, vacuum interfaces, radio-frequency (RF) controls, timing, and instrument software for neutral-atom quantum computers.
Apply AMO knowledge to define hardware-readiness checks. Agree integration, alignment, and handoff criteria with QEs and Systems Engineering.
Work alongside QEs on first-of-a-kind systems to establish repeatable integration sequences, alignment methods, diagnostics, and recovery procedures.
Perform and guide system-level optical alignment, laser-delivery checks, controls checkout, and applicable safety checks before atom-based verification begins.
Mentor and train integration engineers and technicians. Define the qualification path for new team members, and advise leadership on staffing and on scheduling shared instruments across concurrent builds.
Lead cross-subsystem troubleshooting. Work with laser, controls, subsystem, and QE specialists to resolve hardware and interface problems.
Support hardware corrections during QE testing. Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to reduce alignment rework and shorten repeat-build cycle time.

Experience & Education

PhD in physics, applied physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline, or comparable professional experience.
10+ years of experience in experimental AMO physics, quantum hardware, or precision laser-system integration.
3+ years providing technical leadership on multidisciplinary teams, with demonstrated responsibility for integration readiness, complex fault isolation, and laboratory execution.

Qualifications

Strong understanding of neutral-atom quantum computers, including atom trapping, optical addressing, coherent control, and readout.
Hands-on capability in optical alignment, laser stability diagnostics, vacuum interfaces, and synchronized RF and control systems.
Practical AMO knowledge, including laser-atom interactions and laser cooling and trapping, sufficient to resolve integration issues directly with experimental physicists.
Ability to interpret diagnostic data, evaluate automated checkout methods, and isolate hardware or software-interface faults. Laboratory automation experience is preferred.
Proven technical leadership and readiness-review discipline, with a record of mentoring colleagues toward qualification while preserving the separate QE acceptance gate.
Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.