Senior Optimization Engineer (Operations Research)
Atom Computing
Operations
Berkeley, CA, USA
USD 155k-185k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 6, 2025
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 an operations research engineer to contribute to ongoing research and development efforts. This position will work as part of the Quantum Error Correction team by building and maintaining software tools used to study and implement fault-tolerant quantum computation on neutral atom hardware.
Job Responsibilities
- Developing and maintaining software tools to solve classical optimization problems.
- Working with physicists to develop exact and heuristic cost functions.
- Evaluating the performance of optimization routines in terms of time, compute resources, and accuracy.
Experience & Education
- PhD in Operations Research or a related field
- 3+ years of professional experience
Qualifications
- A passion for (mixed) integer programming and a track record of implementing performant optimization algorithms.
- A strong background in data structures, algorithms, and optimization; practical experience in scheduling and graph partitioning applications is preferred, but not required.
- Skilled programmer, including familiarity with standard industry practices (version control, automated testing,code review, and software development best practices).
- Proficiency with one or more of the standard optimization software libraries (e.g. Gurobi, CPLEX) and proficiency with Python. Experience with a compiled language such as C++ or Rust is preferred.
- Willingness to learn quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and quantum error correction concepts required to put work in context.
- Excited to work at a fast-growing, early-stage startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and with a high tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty.
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 $155,000 - $185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.