Scientist Experimental Physicist; Hardware Focus

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. We have an exciting opportunity for an Experimental Physicist within the Energy Group focusing on hardware development and integration of quantum sensor systems. The ideal candidate is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving difficult engineering and scientific problems in hardware development and system integration.

Assignments are outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

• Lead end‑to‑end characterization, verification, and validation of quantum measurement systems, ensuring qualification and acceptance for deployment.
• Design, construct, and field complex scientific instruments in a team environment to support quantum sensor development, including quantum magnetometers, gravimeters, transition‑edge sensors, and superconducting nanowire detectors.
• Build and qualify prototype quantum sensor testbeds, translating system requirements and hardware specifications into reliable, scalable experimental platforms.
• Conduct system‑level studies to optimize performance parameters such as electrical noise, thermal stability, and measurement fidelity in cryogenic environments.
• Perform integration, testing, and validation of integrated quantum sensor systems at customer sites.
• Develop and implement cryogenic system integration, including vacuum equipment, cryogenic cooling systems, low‑noise electronics, and electrical noise reduction techniques to enable high‑fidelity quantum sensor measurements.
• Develop custom software for experimental control and data acquisition using LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB to interface with hardware systems and automate measurement protocols.
• Address complex technical issues requiring novel and highly creative approaches drawing on advanced scientific concepts in hardware integration and system design.
• Anticipate future scientific needs and the modifications required to accomplish technical goals in quantum sensor hardware development.
• Leverage engineering and scientific knowledge of internal and external experts to define current state‑of‑the‑art, understand deficiencies from a real‑world application perspective, and suggest technical solutions and roadmaps to bridge gaps.
• Propose experiments, publish in recognized scientific journals, present work at national and international levels, pursue research projects, and work with and provide support to the wider Energy Group team, national laboratory collaborators (including NIST), and private fusion energy start‑up companies in the above topic areas.
• Document findings, communicate results to scientific staff, and make technical presentations as required.
• Coordinate project segments and maintain frequent inter‑organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues.
• Provide direction to design or technical staff and offer guidance to less experienced professional staff.
• Offer expert consulting to other staff members working on difficult scientific problems.
• Participate in program review, both internal and external.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company, ensuring safe work in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

• Typically requires a Master’s or PhD degree in Experimental Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a similar discipline with progressively complex scientific experience: six or more years with a Bachelors degree, four or more years with a Masters degree, and two or more years with a PhD.

• Extensive technical expertise and application of scientific concepts, principles, and theory in experimental design, cryogenic systems, equipment engineering, and problem solving.
• Broad experience applying…