Senior Systems Engineer

Atom Computing · Boulder, Colorado · $140,000 - $160,000 USD · Posted 2026-08-22

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to gather, integrate, and track requirements, risks, and timelines for future generations of Atom Computing systems. As Senior System Engineer you will serve as a technical integrator and architect across Atom Computing’s Research and Product Development programs. This individual will lead system definition, model-based engineering (MBSE) and risk management activities that bridge theory and applications, quantum engineering, control systems, optical engineering, software and hardware disciplines.

The ideal candidate can translate theoretical and experimental requirements into a coherent system architecture, and has experience applying systems engineering best practices to emerging technologies.

Job Responsibilities

System Definition & Requirements Management

Lead, and formalise, the existing functional and physical decomposition of current systems to augment the requirements blueprint
Establish and maintain the requirements baseline, traceability matrices, and verification plans using industry standard tools
Translate scientific objectives into verifiable system and subsystem performance requirements
Manage change control processes for evolving architectures and requirements.

Architecture & Design Integration

Develop and document system architecture, including subsystem interactions
Produce system-level design documentation and interface control documents (ICDs)
Coordinate with modeling and simulation teams to evaluate performance trade-offs and scalability of quantum system architectures.

Risk Management & Technical Planning

Identify, quantify, and track technical risks, opportunities, and mitigations
Support development of risk registers and FMEA/FMECA for design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, SIR, ORR)
Contribute to the ongoing development of Atom Computing’s Systems Engineering Management Plan.

Integration, Verification, and Validation (IV&V)

Develop and coordinate the Verification and Validation (V&V) plans, linking test protocols to system-level requirements (traceability)
Working with Quantum Engineering & Theory, oversee definition of system-level test protocols
Participate in system integration reviews and readiness assessments to ensure technical maturity and risk reduction.

Collaboration & Communication

Act as technical liaison between Theory, Quantum Engineering, Hardware, Software, Controls, and Optical Engineering
Support customer interactions, including government program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reporting.

Required Qualifications

BS or higher in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related field
5+ years of systems engineering experience in complex, multidisciplinary R&D or production environments (quantum, aerospace, defense, advanced computing, or similar)
Proven ability to lead requirements development, interface control, and V&V planning across engineering and science disciplines
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and configuration management systems
Strong understanding of system lifecycle processes
Demonstrated experience with risk management frameworks
Experience supporting government-funded research or procurement programs (DoD, DoE, DoC)

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, physics, or a related discipline
Familiarity with quantum computing, atomic, and optical (AMO) physics, or control system integration
Experience preparing and presenting SRR/PDR/CDR artifacts
Knowledge of reliability engineering, fault-tolerant architectures, and data-driven verification.

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $140,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

About Atom Computing

Atom Computing builds truly scalable quantum computers out of individual atoms.