Staff Electrical Engineer

Vector Atomic is building quantum devices for applications including GPS-free navigation and timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. We are focused on delivering near-term products that take advantage of the exquisite properties of quantum systems. Our devices are designed with the form, fit, function, and cost for the real world.

Vector Atomic is hiring Electrical Engineers to build ultraprecise quantum devices for applications including autonomous/GPS-free navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on role requires strong electronic design skills emphasizing low-noise, low-power analog and mixed-signal circuits. We are seeking strong individual contributors that take ownership of their work while supporting overall team goals.

Our rapidly growing team of 50 plus brings an innovative but practical approach to developing quantum devices. If you'd like to work on transformational technologies in a dynamic, team-oriented environment, come join our team!

What You’ll Do

• Work with a cross-functional team of physicists, electronics engineers, and optical engineers to create next-generation quantum instruments.
• Design, implement and verify analog and mixed signal circuits for precision INS instruments. This work requires an understanding of electronic noise sources, measurement techniques and mitigation strategies. While we don’t expect deep expertise in this area, new hires will need to come up to speed with these subjects quickly to solve design challenges.
• Select parts and work with purchasing to procure, fabricate and assemble PCBAs.
• Create schematic and assist with layout. Help define critical board layout techniques to improve signal integrity.
• Assist with board “bring-up” and debugging. Develop test scripts and documentation to assist with validation.
• Collaborate with software engineers and provide support and technical guidance as they program and interact with your circuits.
• Contribute to the development process for continuous improvement by write task tickets (Jira).

What We're Looking For

• BSEE, MSEE or equivalent.
• At least 10 years of work experience designing PC boards including 5+ years of direct experience using Altium Designer. 
• Experience managing the fabrication of PC boards and assemblies by contract manufacturers.
• US export control laws require “U.S. persons” including U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.
• Must be comfortable working in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.

Required expertise:

• Previous analog design experience including amplifiers, TIAs, filters and power converters.
• Previous mixed-signal design experience with high-speed DACs/ADCs, FPGAs, and support electronics. 
• Expertise in the design of RF circuits including PLL, amplifiers, filters, mixers, couplers, detectors, etc. 
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer. 
• Optimize layouts for performance including impedance matching, differential traces, length matching and signal integrity.
• Ability to define board stack-ups and select material to meet design requirements for both performance and manufacturability.
• Experience with board bring-up and troubleshooting using DMMs, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, Network Vector Analyzer.
• Must be able to understand and apply industry standards for PCB design. For example, IPC and JEDEC.

Nice-to-have expertise:

• Using Signal Integrity analysis tools for high-speed circuit design.
• Designing and optimizing electronics to meet EMI and ESD requirements. 
• Experience using EM tools for PCB board signal integrity and optimization.
• IPC certifications in PCB Design and/or Connectors.
• Experience with designing PCB Flex boards. 
• Experience with high-density PCB design techniques such as HDI.

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We are an employee-owned company with competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Stock ownership plan
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, performance bonus, benefits, and equity. The pay range for this position is $155,000 to $185,000 including annual bonus. 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.

Vector 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.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.