{"id":402324,"url":"https://alion.io/job/vectoratomic-senior-scientist-quantum","title":"Senior Scientist - Quantum","company":{"id":8424,"name":"Vector Atomic","domain":"vectoratomic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/vectoratomic","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workable","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":95,"open_postings":11,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":155,"computed_at":"2026-10-17T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Science & Research","role_family":"Science & Research","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Pleasanton, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":130000,"max":155000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":155000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Autonomous Navigation","optional":false},{"name":"IonQ","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-16T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-16","last_verified_at":"2026-10-17T18:39:24Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":1,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":1},"description":"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.\nWe're hiring driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to play a key role in building ultraprecise quantum devices for autonomous navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on position offers the opportunity to contribute to all stages of development, from concept to deployment. We're looking for strong individuals who thrive on ownership and collaboration within our dynamic, team-oriented environment. If you're excited about working on groundbreaking technologies, we want to hear from you!\nRequirements\nWhat You'll Do:\nPrototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems\nSensor integration, bring-up, and optimization; data analysis\nAnalyze and simulate of atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities\nDeploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real-world environments \nWhat We're Looking For:\nPhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 5-8 years of related academic or industry experience\nTo 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.\nAbility to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.\nHands-on expertise with several of the following:\nAtomic clocks and inertial sensors\nAtomic ovens, beams, and/or vapor cells\nLaser cooling and trapping\nPrecision spectroscopy\nUltra-high vacuum (UHV) systems\nNarrow linewidth lasers and laser frequency stabilization\nOptics, fiber optics, electro/acousto-optics, detectors\nAnalog, digital, and RF electronics\nControl systems and instrumentation\nMechanical design\nBenefits\nVector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:\nPlatinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)\nHealth and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) \nEmployer 401(k) contributions\n20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays\nPaid parental leave\nFully stocked kitchen\nPay Range\nThe approximate base salary range for this position is $130,000 to $155,000 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.\nVector 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.\nVector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. 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