Silicon Qubit Development Lead

About the role

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers - ready for real-world application.

For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other - often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

Qubit Systems Laboratory (QSL) is a world leader in semiconductor spin qubits. Our broad expertise spans semiconductor growth, device design and modeling, cryogenic control, high-density interconnects and packaging, quantum architecture, and multiqubit demonstrations. Our system architecture is built entirely around scalable semiconductor manufacturing to make quantum computing affordable for practical business and scientific applications.

Essential Duties

• You will serve as the primary scientific authority guiding the research, development, and advancement of state of the art spin qubit technologies. You will lead cross disciplinary efforts spanning device physics, quantum characterization, control methodology, and system level integration. This role requires both visionary scientific leadership and deep hands on engagement.
• Lead the scientific direction, strategy, and execution of silicon spin qubit research, including qubit design, operation, control techniques, coherence optimization, and device characterization.
• Master the operation of spin qubit devices to push beyond current performance limits through close collaboration with software, theory, modeling, materials, and hardware development teams.
• Drive the maturation of novel concepts-from initial theoretical framing through experimental validation-to accelerate innovation cycles and convert promising ideas into testable implementations.
• Develop and refine experimental methodologies to diagnose qubit performance, noise sources, stability issues, and device environment interactions.
• Oversee the development of advanced measurement techniques, analog electronics, noise suppression strategies, and hardware-software interfaces required for high fidelity qubit operation.
• Serve as a scientific leader and mentor, guiding teams across physics, engineering, and software disciplines and ensuring alignment on technical direction and research priorities.
• Represent the spin qubit program through technical presentations, external collaborations, and peer reviewed publications, advancing the organization’s scientific reputation and influence.

Required Skills

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields with emphasis on quantum devices or quantum technologies.
• This role requires a world class technical leader who has demonstrated:
• Deep expertise in experimental quantum device physics, particularly in silicon spin qubit operation, characterization, and control.
• Mastery of modern experimental techniques, including troubleshooting analog electronics, noise characterization, measurement chain optimization, and quantum device instrumentation.
• Advanced proficiency in scientific programming for data analysis, automation, modeling, and hardware interfacing.
• Strong track record of scientific communication including high impact presentations, invited talks, and peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to lead and collaborate within interdisciplinary teams integrating physics, software development, theory, signal processing, modeling, and engineering.
• Demonstrated success in maturing early stage concepts into experimentally validated results, prototypes, or new methodological advances.

Special Requirements

US Person Status Required

Pay Range: $216,900 - $278,000

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

Benefits

HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.