Geophysical Software Developer Jobs in California

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you're excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for aField Support Engineerto support our quantum timing product lines. This is a customer-facing, hands-on position supporting deployment, troubleshooting, and repair of our advanced rack-mounted quantum and photonics systems. You will serve as the technical bridge between our customers and engineering/manufacturing team-installing new systems at customer locations, resolving product issues in the field, and helping shape our service processes from the ground up. 

Requirements

What You'll Do:

• Serve as the technical contact for customers, providing on-site and remote support for quantum timing products. 
• Support installation and bring-up at customer facilities.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex issues across software, electrical, mechanical, and optical subsystems. 
• Perform on-site and remote rework-including component replacement, fiber splicing, soldering, and configuration updates-and support product upgrades and system validation at customer sites. 
• Maintain accurate records of service visits, system configurations, and field activities. 
• Develop and document service workflows, troubleshooting procedures, and best practices to prepare for team expansion. 
• Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to communicate field findings, validate fixes, and enhance product reliability. 
• Support system integration activities in manufacturing, adapting as needed to assist with assembly, validation, troubleshooting, and other high-priority tasks in a fast-paced environment. 

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Optical, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical experience). 
• 5-8 years of experience in field service, product support, or system integration-ideally within atomic clocks, frequency combs, photonics, optoelectronics, or telecom hardware. 
• Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware and software, including embedded controls and system-level interactions. 
• Skilled in mechanical assembly, electrical diagnostics, soldering and fiber splicing. 
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills with a professional, proactive approach. 
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and adapt to dynamic support needs. 
• Compliance: Must meet U.S. export control requirements for "U.S. persons" (citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals).
  

Preferred Experience 

• Experience with atomic clocks, frequency combs, narrow linewidth lasers or other high-sensitivity photonics systems. 
• Familiarity with embedded Linux environments and scripting tools (Python, Bash) for system configuration or diagnostics. 
• Background supporting complex opto-electronic or measurement systems through final integration, validation, or calibration. 
• Demonstrated success creating service workflows, training materials, or support infrastructure as an early technical hire.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across engineering and manufacturing to translate field insights into product and process improvements. 

Benefits

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer 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
• Stock ownership plan
• Fully stocked kitchen
  

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $130,000 to $155,000 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.