Senior DSP Engineer

Vector Atomic is building quantum hardware to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. In 2025, we joined IonQ [NYSE: IONQ], the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier – delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. Our scientists, engineers, software developers, and operations professionals collaborate to deliver real-world solutions. We value ingenuity, diverse skillsets, and teamwork. Every team member can make an immediate impact while growing professionally. Join us to build breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. We are seeking a Senior DSP Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of quantum technology. Based on system goals, this engineer will design algorithms for instrument control. This task will combine information from high-level requirements and direct laboratory measurements to address system goals. You will be responsible for developing custom algorithms for systems with limited resources. In addition, this role requires an individual to develop test plans to extract empirical data that will amplify simulation results. While initially focused on research and development, the ultimate objective is to transition to commercial devices. The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor who can take ownership of their tasks while also supporting the overall team goals.

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area)

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with a cross-functional team of physicists, EEs, mechanical engineers, and optical engineers to create next-generation quantum instruments.
• Design signal processing algorithms for precision sensors. The work will include implementations in both CPUs and RTL-based FPGA systems.
• Work with various simulation tools to define and validate customized signal-processing algorithms for a wide-range of sensor applications.
• Work in a team to develop implementations that meet system-level requirements in limited-resource embedded systems. Assist with the translation into RTL or Firmware implementations.
• Define experiments to characterize plant behavior, measure performance metrics, and system identification.
• Collaborate with EEs and Software engineers to identify issues and debug systems.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and five (5) years of experience relevant to signal processing.
• Expert understanding of theory and the practical implementation of signal processing. The candidate should have practical experience with most of the following digital signal processing topics: Lock-in amplifiers, FFTs, FIRs, IIRs, CICs, DDSs, MIMO processing, multi-rate filtering (interpolators and decimators), OFDM, Sampling theory, Kalman filters, modulation, I/Q, harmonics generation, and quantization effects.
• Able to define digital algorithms that can be coded on hardware systems such as FPGAs and CPU-based firmware.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
• To comply with 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.
• Ability to work onsite full-time at our office in Pleasanton, CA (SF Bay Area)

Preferred Experience (several of the following)

• Previous experience designing and optimizing digital signal processing algorithms for embedded instrumentation, with an emphasis on sensors.
• Simulation of signal processing algorithms using MATLAB, Simulink and/or Python.
• Signal analysis background for model identification and parameter extraction.
• Understanding of noise mechanisms in electronic systems. Must be able to estimate noise in systems that include digital, RF and analog sections.
• Define complex signal processing algorithms in fixed-point and variable-bit width environments. Must be able to optimize algorithms for performance while considering resource utilization.
• C/C++, Python and/or Rust coding skills. Practical experience with professional CASE tools including, but not limited to, revision control, bug tracking, and debuggers.
• Experience working with advanced Inertial Measurement Units (IMUS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), gyroscopes, accelerometers, and GPS units.
• Understanding channel effects and mitigation strategies for free space RF and optical communications systems.
• While this individual will not be directly responsible for detailed RTL coding, some RTL coding background would be a plus.
• Practical experience developing control algorithms such as Kalman Filters, PID and state-space modeling. Able to define measurement strategies to extract plant models for simulation and optimization.

Vector Atomic offers competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range The base salary range for this position is $140,000 to $190,000 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 level. Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law. Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.