Vector Atomic

High-precision atomic clocks and inertial sensors

Senior DSP Engineer

Electrical EngineeringUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timePleasanton, CA, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), and five years of experience relevant to signal processing.
Expert understanding of signal-processing theory and practical implementation, with experience in most of the following topics: lock-in amplifiers, fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), finite impulse response (FIR) filters, infinite impulse response (IIR) filters, cascaded integrator-comb (CIC) filters, direct digital synthesizers (DDS), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processing, multirate filtering (interpolators and decimators), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), sampling theory, Kalman filters, modulation, in-phase/quadrature (I/Q), harmonic generation, and quantization effects.
Ability to define digital algorithms for hardware systems such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and central processing unit (CPU)-based firmware.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with coworkers and collaborators.
Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating within multidisciplinary teams.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or belong to certain categories of refugees or asylees to comply with U.S. export control laws.
Ability to work onsite full-time at the Pleasanton, California office.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with physicists, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and optical engineers to create next-generation quantum instruments.
Design signal-processing algorithms for precision sensors, implementing them in CPUs and register-transfer-level (RTL)-based FPGA systems.
Use simulation tools to define and validate customized signal-processing algorithms for a wide range of sensor applications.
Develop implementations that meet system-level requirements in limited-resource embedded systems and assist with translation into RTL or firmware implementations.
Define experiments to characterize plant behavior, measure performance metrics, and perform system identification.
Collaborate with electrical and software engineers to identify issues and debug systems.
Design custom instrument-control algorithms based on system goals, combining high-level requirements with direct laboratory measurements.
Develop algorithms for resource-limited systems and test plans to gather empirical data that complements simulation results, with the eventual goal of transitioning research and development work to commercial devices.

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience designing and optimizing digital signal-processing algorithms for embedded instrumentation, especially sensors.
Experience simulating signal-processing algorithms using MATLAB, Simulink, and/or Python.
Background in signal analysis for model identification and parameter extraction.
Understanding of noise mechanisms in electronic systems and ability to estimate noise in systems containing digital, radio-frequency, and analog sections.
Ability to define complex signal-processing algorithms in fixed-point and variable-bit-width environments and optimize them for performance and resource utilization.
Coding skills in C, C++, Python, and/or Rust, and practical experience with professional computer-aided software engineering tools, including revision control, bug tracking, and debuggers.
Experience with advanced inertial measurement units, inertial navigation systems, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and GPS units.
Understanding of channel effects and mitigation strategies for free-space radio-frequency and optical communications systems.
Some register-transfer-level coding background.
Practical experience developing control algorithms such as Kalman filters, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, and state-space models, and ability to define measurement strategies to extract plant models for simulation and optimization.

Senior DSP Engineer

Vector Atomic · Pleasanton, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-16

Salary: USD 140,000–190,000

Workplace: on_site

Department: Electrical

Description

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)

Requirements

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.

Benefits

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.

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About the Company

Vector Atomic

High-precision atomic clocks and inertial sensors

Vector Atomic builds high-performance quantum sensing devices for GPS-free timing and navigation, including optical atomic clocks, gyroscopes, gravimeters, and synchronization hardware for harsh environments on land, at sea, and in space. Its products use atomic transitions to provide picosecond-level timing and precise motion data, enabling secure navigation when GPS is unavailable. It differentiates itself through deep physics expertise, government contracting, and turning lab quantum devices into field-ready products, while remaining 100% employee-owned; it was acquired by IonQ to combine sensing with computing and networking. Its goal is to accelerate deployment of GPS-free navigation and secure quantum-enabled communication by integrating sensing with broader quantum platforms for government and commercial markets.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Acquired
Total funding: $6.8M
Headquarters: Pleasanton, CA
Founded: 2018

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