Job Description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Computational Physicist within the Energy Group focusing on software development, signal processing, and AI applications for quantum sensor systems.

The successful candidate will become a member of the Development Team supporting quantum technology software development, signal processing algorithms, and AI/machine learning applications for quantum sensors. This role emphasizes computational expertise in physics-based modeling, data analysis, and algorithm development to support PNT applications such as navigation, high resolution magnetic and gravitational anomaly mapping, under-surface structure identification and resource exploration, using quantum magnetometers and gravimeters.  It can also include commercialization effort related to other types of quantum sensors such as cryogenic superconducting single photon detectors (Transition Edge Sensors, MKID, SQUID, superconducting nanowire arrays, etc), and associated pulse train data reduction in converting to well calibrated energy spectrum from hundreds of slightly varying quantum pixels in the detector array.

The ideal candidate is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult computational and scientific problems in quantum sensor data processing and analysis. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement advanced signal processing algorithms for quantum sensor data, including noise modeling, filtering, and signal extraction from quantum magnetometers and gravimeters.
• Design and develop AI/machine learning models for quantum sensor applications, including sensor fusion, anomaly detection, predictive analytics for navigation systems, and optimization of sensor performance.
• Build large-scale data reduction and analysis pipelines for processing multi-terabyte quantum sensor datasets, supporting detection and characterization of faint signals in noisy environments.
• Develop physics-based computational models for quantum sensor performance, including noise sources, environmental effects, and sensor response characteristics.
• Create software systems for quantum sensor-based navigation (PNT - Position, Navigation, and Timing), leveraging quantum magnetometers and gravimeters as alternatives or complements to GPS-denied navigation scenarios.
• Implement real-time data processing algorithms for quantum sensor operation, including adaptive filtering, state estimation, sensor calibration, and feedback control.
• Develop and maintain scientific software systems using Python, C++, MATLAB, and modern software engineering practices including version control (Git), testing frameworks, and comprehensive documentation.
• Conduct statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification for quantum sensor measurements, developing methods to characterize and improve measurement fidelity.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to define data acquisition requirements, optimize measurement protocols, and validate algorithm performance on experimental systems.
• Research and implement quantum communication protocols and quantum sensor networking approaches for distributed sensing applications.
• Address complex and difficult technical issues requiring novel and highly creative computational approaches drawing on advanced scientific concepts.
• Anticipate future computational needs and software modifications required to accomplish technical goals in quantum sensing and navigation.
• Leverage knowledge of internal and external experts to define current state-of-the-art in quantum sensor algorithms, understand deficiencies from real-world application perspectives, and suggest technical solutions and roadmaps.
• Document findings, communicate results to scientific staff, and make technical presentations at internal reviews, customer meetings, and external conferences.
• Publish research in recognized scientific journals and present work at national and international conferences.
• Provide expert guidance and consulting to other staff members on computational methods, signal processing, and AI/ML applications.
• May participate in program reviews, both internal and external, representing software development efforts.
• May coordinate segments of specific projects and have frequent inter-organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues.
• May provide direction to technical staff and less experienced professional staff.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.


 

Job Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s or PhD degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Computational Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar discipline with progressively complex scientific experience. Nine or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, seven or more years experience with a Masters degree, and four or more with a PhD. Must demonstrate:
• Broad knowledge of physics principles relevant to quantum sensors, signal processing, and measurement science, with first principles understanding of their discipline.
• Experience in signal processing including time-series analysis, noise modeling, filtering techniques, statistical data analysis, and signal extraction methods.
• Proven software development skills in Python, C++, and/or MATLAB with experience building scientific data analysis pipelines, real-time processing systems, and algorithm development.
• Knowledge of AI/machine learning methods and experience developing models for scientific applications, sensor data analysis, or navigation systems with sufficient understanding to interface with experts in the field.
• Understanding of navigation systems and PNT technologies, particularly quantum sensor-based approaches for GPS-denied environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to develop novel computational approaches to complex scientific problems.
• Excellent communication skills to interface effectively with diverse audiences including technical teams, program managers, external customers, and stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds. Must be able to clearly explain complex technical concepts to non-experts.
• Original work published in professional scientific journals or formal technical equivalents.
• Must have the ability to apply for and hold Secret, Top Secret, and/or SCI clearances as required by program needs. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in exploration geophysics or potential field methods (e.g., from oil and gas or academic geophysics), with experience in magnetics including:
  • Understanding of dead zones, heading error, and related magnetic survey effects
  • Signal processing for magnetic and gravity data
  • Data reduction and analysis for potential field measurements
  • Real time data reduction and quality control
  • Development and use of physics-based models for magnetic and gravitational fields
• Experience with quantum sensor systems such as quantum magnetometers, gravimeters, atomic clocks, cryogenic quantum devices, or related quantum measurement technologies, with understanding of their operational principles and data characteristics.
• Experience with quantum magnetometer and gravimeter data processing, including calibration, noise characterization, and signal extraction techniques.
• Expertise in quantum sensor fusion for navigation applications, combining multiple sensor modalities (e.g., magnetometers, gravimeters, inertial sensors).
• Knowledge of quantum communication systems and quantum networking protocols.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX) and their application to sensor data analysis, including neural network architectures for time-series data.
• Familiarity with Kalman filtering, particle filters, and other state estimation techniques for navigation applications and sensor fusion.
• Experience with parallel computing, GPU acceleration, and optimization of computational workflows for large datasets using tools like CUDA, Dask, or Ray.
• Knowledge of inertial navigation systems (INS) and integration with quantum sensors for hybrid navigation solutions.
• Familiarity with quantum information science concepts and their application to sensing and metrology.
• Experience with real-time embedded systems and software-hardware interfacing for sensor control and data acquisition.
• Knowledge of geophysical modeling and magnetic/gravitational field mapping for navigation.
• Some business travel expected.