Senior Quantum Customer Success Physicist – Quantum Innovation Strategist & Global Research Partnerships Lead, Experimental Excellence, brighthush, Chicago, IL

About brighthush and the Quantum Frontier

At brighthush, we are redefining the way the world harnesses the power of quantum mechanics. Located in the vibrant heart of Chicago, our multidisciplinary team blends cutting‑edge hardware, sophisticated cryogenic infrastructure, and advanced simulation tools to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From secure quantum communications and accelerated drug discovery to next‑generation materials and AI acceleration, we transform theoretical breakthroughs into market‑ready solutions that empower researchers, engineers, and businesses worldwide.

Our mission is simple yet ambitious: democratize quantum technology so that anyone—whether a seasoned researcher or a first‑time user—can tap into its transformative potential without the steep learning curve traditionally associated with the field. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, brighthush is not just building quantum devices; we are shaping a future where quantum science drives societal progress.

Why Join brighthush?

• Impact at Scale – Your expertise will directly influence how quantum experiments are designed, executed, and interpreted across a global network of research institutions and industry partners.
• Cutting‑Edge Exposure – Work with a diverse portfolio of qubit technologies—superconducting, trapped ions, photonic, and more—while collaborating with world‑leading R&D teams.
• Career Growth – We invest heavily in professional development: mentorship programs, conference sponsorships, internal training, and clear pathways to product, research, or leadership roles.
• Inclusive Culture – Diversity is at the core of our DNA. We celebrate every voice, foster collaboration, and maintain an open‑door policy that ensures ideas flow freely from the lab to the boardroom.
• Competitive Compensation – A comprehensive package that includes a base salary, performance bonuses, equity, health benefits, and a generous relocation stipend for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Customer Success Physicist, you will be the technical linchpin between brighthush’s solutions and our customers’ research objectives. Your day‑to‑day activities will include:

• Lead Technical Implementation – Design, configure, and oversee the deployment of brighthush control systems at customer sites, ensuring seamless integration with existing hardware and software stacks. Develop detailed implementation plans, coordinate with on‑site teams, and troubleshoot integration challenges.
• Customer Engagement & Relationship Management – Serve as the primary technical point of contact, building trust through proactive communication, regular check‑ins, and tailored support. Manage expectations, negotiate timelines, and ensure customers feel confident in their partnership with brighthush.
• Solution Translation – Convert complex customer requirements into concrete, executable plans, leveraging your deep understanding of quantum physics and control theory. Translate scientific goals into engineering specifications and ensure solutions meet performance targets.
• Collaborate with R&D – Provide real‑world feedback to product teams, helping to refine features, prioritize enhancements, and accelerate the roadmap. Your insights will shape the next generation of brighthush products.
• Technical Coaching & Training – Conduct workshops, webinars, and one‑on‑one sessions to empower customers to maximize the value of brighthush solutions. Develop training materials, mentor junior staff, and foster a community of practice.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization – Analyze system metrics, troubleshoot issues, and recommend optimizations that improve experiment fidelity and throughput. Use data‑driven approaches to continuously enhance performance.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing – Author detailed technical guides, case studies, and best‑practice documents that serve both internal teams and the broader scientific community. Your writing will help disseminate knowledge and support knowledge transfer.

Essential Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on quantum information science.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experimental experience in quantum computing, including qubit control, error mitigation, or related areas.
• Proficiency in Python (including libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, and Qiskit) for data analysis, automation, and scripting.
• Strong technical communication skills: ability to distill complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: adept at building rapport, negotiating, and managing expectations across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time to customer sites, conferences, and internal events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cryogenic systems, superconducting qubits, or trapped‑ion platforms.
• Background in control theory, signal processing, or FPGA/ASIC design.
• Published research in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Familiarity with cloud‑based quantum services (e.g., brighthush Cloud).
• Experience in a customer‑facing technical role, such as a field engineer, solutions architect, or technical support specialist.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Quantum Physics Expertise – Deep understanding of qubit dynamics, decoherence mechanisms, and error correction.
• Systems Engineering – Ability to design, test, and troubleshoot complex hardware‑software integrations.
• Data Analysis & Visualization – Proficiency in extracting insights from large datasets and presenting findings clearly.
• Project Management – Skilled at coordinating cross‑functional teams, setting milestones, and delivering on time.
• Problem‑Solving Mindset – Creative, analytical thinker who thrives in ambiguous, fast‑paced environments.
• Collaboration & Leadership – Comfortable mentoring junior staff, leading workshops, and influencing product strategy.

Career Path & Growth Opportunities

At brighthush, talent is nurtured, not just hired. As you grow in this role, you will have the following pathways:

• Technical Leadership – Progress to Senior or Principal Customer Success Physicist, overseeing larger accounts and shaping technical strategy.
• Product Management – Transition into product roles, leveraging customer insights to drive feature development and roadmap decisions.
• Research & Development – Join our R&D teams to push the boundaries of quantum control, contributing to patents and publications.
• Executive Track – With demonstrated impact, you could move into Director or VP roles, influencing company vision and strategy.

We provide continuous learning through internal workshops, external conferences, and access to cutting‑edge research labs. Your growth is our priority.

Work Environment & Culture at brighthush

Our Chicago office is a collaborative, open‑space environment that encourages cross‑disciplinary dialogue. We celebrate curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and reward bold ideas. Key cultural pillars include:

• Inclusivity & Belonging – A diverse workforce where every voice is heard and respected.
• Transparency & Trust – Open communication channels, regular town halls, and a flat hierarchy that empowers employees.
• Work‑Life Balance – Flexible schedules, remote work options, and generous PTO to support personal and professional well‑being.
• Community Engagement – Volunteer programs, hackathons, and partnerships with universities to foster STEM education.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific figures vary based on experience, we offer a competitive total rewards package that typically includes:

• Base salary commensurate with market rates for senior quantum physicists.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to customer success metrics and company growth.
• Equity options that align your success with the company’s long‑term vision.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Relocation assistance for the right candidate.
• Professional development stipend and conference travel support.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your quantum journey? Submit your résumé, a cover letter detailing your most impactful customer‑facing project, and any relevant publications or portfolio items. Our hiring team will review your application and reach out to schedule an initial conversation.

Join brighthush and help shape the future of quantum computing—one experiment at a time.