Senior Electrical Engineer - SpaceWe're looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team of physicists and electrical, mechanical, software, and optical engineers designing next-generation quantum sensors for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions.This is a newly created, high-impact role central to our space sensor programs. You'll lead the design of advanced electronics, specifying, designing, characterizing, and testing PCB assemblies with FPGA, MCU, mixed-signal, and RF architectures, built to meet the demanding reliability and environmental requirements of spaceflight.You'll join a growing electronics team of engineers, reporting to our Engineering Director, with close daily collaboration across firmware, RTL, mechanical, and optical disciplines. This is an individual-contributor role with significant technical ownership and visibility into every stage of hardware development, from concept through on-orbit deployment.Responsibilities:Lead high-level electrical architecture for next-generation quantum sensors, balancing size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C).Own end-to-end PCB development: requirements definition, schematic design, layout, fabrication coordination, and performance verification.Translate system-level requirements into detailed electronic designs in collaboration with physicists, and mechanical, software, and optical engineers.Design and adapt circuits for reliable operation in the LEO radiation and thermal environment.Partner with firmware and RTL engineers on radiation-tolerant techniques (error detection/correction, bit scrubbing, recovery methods).Support system integration, test, and troubleshooting to ensure instrument-level requirements are met.Build environmental test plans simulating LEO conditions; estimate FIT rates and electronics lifetime against mission parameters.Characterize and validate designs using standard lab test and measurement equipment.Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 6+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 3+ years.3+ years designing electronics for space applications (LEO preferred).Experience with power, analog, and mixed-signal circuit design for satellite or other flight systems.Working knowledge of radiation effects (TID, SEE) and common mitigation strategies.Experience selecting or qualifying components for radiation performance, including COTS parts.Solid grounding in high-speed PCB design practices: controlled impedance, length matching, grounding, decoupling, shielding.Comfortable in a lab environment, using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, power supplies, and related test equipment.Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and physics teams.To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S.
permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with space-qualified microprocessors or FPGA families.Exposure to FPGA RTL or radiation-mitigation algorithms (TMR, SEU handling).Familiarity with digital signal processing and FPGA implementation constraints.Circuit simulation experience (e.g., LTSpice).Experience in AS9100-compliant environmentsBenefits will be provided by Vector Atomic, an IonQ Company, and will differ from the benefits listed on the IonQ website.Benefits:Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employer 401(k) contributions20 days of paid time off & 11 paid holidaysPaid parental leaveFully stocked kitchenThe approximate base salary range for this position is $142,113 - $186,063 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.Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity.
Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect.
We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.