Research Scientist, Optical Engineering Neutral Atoms, Quantum AI
Google · Boulder, CO
$174,000–$253,000from the description
Jul 20, 2026
Boulder, CO
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A research role focused on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems for neutral atom quantum computing hardware. Day-to-day work involves engineering modular optical setups that enable precise atom manipulation, assessing risks in emerging optical technologies, and establishing performance tolerancing methodologies. The role suits a PhD-level optical scientist with hands-on system design experience who also contributes to the broader research community through publications.
Senior level · Boulder, CO · Doctorate required · Full-time
Advertised as Mid, but the requirements read as Senior.
Posted 2 times — it's one opening, so apply once.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (8)
This role is a physics/optics research scientist position in quantum computing (neutral atoms), not a standard computer/mathematical occupation — no SOC code in the allowed list cleanly fits. 15-2099 (Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other) is used as the closest available code; 15-2051 (Data Scientists) is listed as the runner-up only because Google frames it under 'Google Research' with some data/ML context, but the day-to-day work is clearly experimental optical engineering for quantum hardware.
The posting's title framing ('Mid Experience') is Google's internal level label and is treated as the advertised seniority. However, the actual requirements — a PhD plus independent research contributions and publication record — support a Senior-level assessment.
The PhD requirement is stated as 'PhD … or equivalent practical experience,' which normally would map to the degree requirement of None. However, the phrasing here is a standard Google boilerplate qualifier; the role's research scientist framing and publication requirement make a doctorate the practical gate. Degree requirement is set to Doctorate accordingly.
Compensation is stated as $174,000–$253,000/year plus a 15% bonus target and equity; the bonus and equity are not captured in the comp fields but are noted here.
'Optical systems design,' 'implementation,' and 'characterization' are listed as three distinct required activities in the minimum qualifications; they are kept as separate skills because they represent meaningfully different competencies in this domain.
Industry-standard optical and mechanical design software (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks) are listed under preferred qualifications without naming specific products, so they are captured as preferred skills with generic names.
Neutral atom manipulation and quantum computing appear in the responsibilities/context sections rather than the qualifications block and are marked preferred.
Ignored 2 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): optical systems design, optical systems implementation.
Read the full posting
The employer publishes the full description on their own site — read it there ↗. Or sign in to read it here — it's free, and it also lets you track this application.