Among computer and information research scientists, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer and information research scientists: 34% (high).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

About the job

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal AI Developer Experience Engineer to improve how our physicists and engineers use AI in their daily work. You will set best practices for AI-assisted engineering and build shared tooling that lets teams quickly adopt new AI-driven workflows. You will also influence product architecture to broaden where LLM-driven workflows apply, including areas where hardware, timing, or reliability requirements have typically called for conventional methods. This role’s aim is to accelerate work in experiment analysis, optics development, PCB and FPGA design, and quantum control software (C++/Rust) development.

Due to the need to engineer physical systems, the role will be on-site in Boulder, CO at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

Define, document, and maintain best practices for AI-assisted coding, testing, code review, and research workflows.

Influence guidelines for using LLMs on performance-critical software, including embedded C++ and Rust, RTOS applications, and kernel device drivers: where AI assistance is appropriate, how generated code is reviewed and tested, and how memory safety, timing, and determinism are verified before merge.

Make forward-looking electronics architecture improvements to our AI tooling and integrations so they keep pace with advances in models and agents and with shifts in engineers' tool preferences, and track industry benchmarks for AI-assisted developer productivity so our practices stay current.

Build ways to measure the output of AI and LLM-driven workflows, such as defect and revert rates of AI-assisted changes, review findings, test coverage, performance regressions, new capabilities added, and time saved, and use the results to refine tools and guidelines.

Ensure safe and reliable operation of AI in quantum processors.

Experience & Education

Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Artificial Intelligence

8+ years of software development

Qualifications

Strong software engineering skills in Python, and experience writing embedded software in C++ or Rust, including manual memory management, hard real-time constraints, and kernel device driver implementation.

Influencing an organization of > 50 engineers using AI agents (Claude Code, Cursor, or GitHub Copilot) on a daily basis, identifying pitfalls and measuring impact.

Working knowledge of how LLMs behave in practice: context management, prompting, agentic workflows, harnesses, effective safety practices, tool use, and judging output quality.

Clear written and spoken communication with audiences ranging from physicists to new software hires. An ability to influence a multi-discipline engineering organization.

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.