Quantum Hardware Engineer (NM)

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Compensation: $105,000 -$130,000 commensurate with experience Type: Full-time Organization: Elevate Quantum Elevate Quantum (EQ) is America's Quantum Tech Hub—designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce with operations spanning Colorado and New Mexico. EQ is not a traditional nonprofit—it is an execution engine responsible for deploying capital, standing up infrastructure, and delivering measurable outcomes across a diverse portfolio of programs. The organization operates across five core business units: Advanced Packaging Facility: Focused on high-mix, low- to medium-volume production, this facility supports quantum and advanced photonics companies with capabilities such as advanced wirebonding, fiber-to-chip connectorization, flip-chip, precision die attach, and metrology. Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Fabrication Facility: A rapid-turn, mid-to-low-volume fabrication facility designed for quantum-relevant materials (including silicon nitride and lithium niobate), enabling significantly faster iteration cycles than traditional foundries and supporting early-stage and scaling companies alike. Commercialization Labs: Shared-use lab environments offering access to advanced equipment, lab space, and testing & benchmarking services. These labs provide critical infrastructure for testing, prototyping, and validating emerging technologies. Workforce Development: EQ's workforce programs combine ecosystem coordination with hands-on training delivered on real equipment. These programs are designed to build the next generation of quantum technicians and support a rapidly growing talent pipeline. Consortium Engagement: EQ manages a 150+ member coalition and convenes the broader ecosystem. The organization also partners with state and regional entities to attract companies, align strategy, and drive continued investment into the region. Together, these business units form a vertically integrated platform—one that spans infrastructure, talent, commercialization, and ecosystem activation.

About the Role: Elevate Quantum is launching an independent testbed centered around a neutral atom quantum system based in Albuquerque, NM.We are seeking a Quantum Hardware Engineer to join our fast-paced, mission-driven team. This individual will be a critical member of Elevate Quantum's commercialization team with a particular focus on supporting the successful build, launch, and operation of this neutral atom quantum testbed. Working alongside our Quantum Systems Engineer, they will build the system from the ground up and take ownership of key subsystems as the testbed comes online. Once the testbed is operational, they will support its maintenance, calibration, and testing workflows. Elevate Quantum is a small and agile team, we are seeking candidates who are willing to "roll up their sleeves" and enjoy learning new technologies and engaging with engineers and scientists. Successful candidates will have proven hands-on experience in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, including lasers, optics, vacuum, and measurement.

Key Responsibilities: Build and commission the neutral atom testbed, including designing and aligning optical paths, setting up laser systems, assembling ultra-high vacuum systems, and integrating control electronics. Take ownership of assigned subsystems from assembly through characterization and documentation, including laser frequency stabilization, vacuum system assembly and bakeout, atom loading and imaging. Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, optical, vacuum, and electronic issues to keep the build on schedule and the system running. Develop and maintain experiment control, data acquisition, and system monitoring software in Python. Support the testbed's transition to operations, including system maintenance, benchmarking and validation campaigns, and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Assist with other tasks as needed in support of the initiative's technical and operational goals.

Qualifications: Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.2–5+ years of applied experience in an experimental AMO lab (to include graduate research) with work in the following areas: Laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms. Laser frequency stabilization. Ultra-high vacuum systems. Hands-on experience with free-space and fiber optical systems, including alignment, beam diagnostics, and troubleshooting. Familiarity with control electronics and test and measurement instrumentation. Experience with scientific programming languages for experiment control, data acquisition, and data analysis. Experience building an experimental apparatus from the ground up preferred. Familiarity with quantum control, qubit characterization, and benchmarking methodologies preferred. Ability to document work clearly and communicate technical results. Self-starter with the ability to take ownership of technical work, manage competing priorities, and collaborate closely within a small, early-stage team. Willingness to be based at the New Mexico testbed site and travel occasionally for program and ecosystem engagement activities. If you meet most but not all these qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us: This is a rare opportunity to be on the ground floor of one of the first independent neutral atom quantum testbeds with commercialization capabilities in the United States. You'll build a neutral atom quantum system from scratch, working at the intersection of cutting-edge AMO hardware and real-world industry need, and helping define how an emerging quantum modality is tested, validated, and trusted by the market. Elevate Quantum is not only the nation's first and only federally designated Quantum Tech Hub; we are also at the forefront of building the physical and workforce infrastructure that will define America's global competitiveness in quantum for decades to come.