Advanced Optical Engineer - 972

Utilicom; Broomfield, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Flexible work arrangements

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Equity opportunities

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Quantinuum in Broomfield, CO seeks an Advanced Optical Engineer to support R&D and lead metrology for metasurface, micro-optics, and photonic components used in quantum hardware.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of hands-on optical testing, alignment, and Python-based data acquisition. You will collaborate with optical scientists and engineers in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree minimum in optics/physics or related field.
• 5+ years' experience in optical testing and alignment of components and systems.
• 5+ years' experience building, aligning, debugging, and troubleshooting free-space optical, micro-optical, and/or photonic systems.
• 1+ year experience using Python to control hardware and for data acquisition & analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the build and optimization of metrology systems for metasurface, micro-optical, and integrated photonic components.
• Create new ways to create, deliver, and measure light to trapped ions.
• Develop high-sensitivity measurement techniques to evaluate optical outputs of devices.
• Drive metrology system development to validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers.

Skills

optical testing

optical alignment

free-space optics

photonic systems

python programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in optics/physics

Master's degree in optics

Tools

Zemax

Code V

OnShape

SolidWorks

fiber fusion splicing

Job description

We are seeking an Advanced Optical Engineer to support R&D in our Broomfield, CO Location.

Our team develops optics and integrated photonics technologies that enable scaling of our trapped-ion quantum computers from our current 98-qubit Helios system to our future Lumos system with hundreds of thousands of qubits. The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next-generation systems, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team.

All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the build and optimization of metrology systems to assemble, characterize, refine, validate, and improve metasurface, micro-optical, and integrated photonic components and systems
• Create new ways to create, deliver, and measure light to trapped ions
• Develop and use high-sensitivity measurement techniques and systems to evaluate the optical output of optical and photonic devices
• Drive the development and design of metrology systems that validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers to inform roadmaps and production
• Contribute deep technical expertise within a team of optical engineers, physicists, and opto-mechanical engineers
• Document and communicate procedures, results, and conclusions to teammates, collaborators, and stakeholders

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Bachelor's degree minimum
• Minimum 5 years' experience (advanced degree inclusive) optical testing and alignment of components and systems
• Minimum 5 years' experience (advanced degree inclusive) building, aligning, debugging, and troubleshooting free-space optical, micro-optical, and/or photonic systems
• Minimum 1 year experience (advanced degree inclusive) using python (or related programming language) to control hardware and for data acquisition & analysis
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:

• Masters in optics, applied physics, or instrumentation
• Deep understanding of several areas of optics and photonics, and experience applying this knowledge to hands-on projects
• Experience in at least 7 of the following areas:
  • coherent optics utilizing diffractive optics (DOEs) and/or metasurfaces
  • polarizing optical components and photonics metrology
  • lasers at several wavelengths from UV to IR
  • optical modeling software such as Zemax, Code V, etc.
  • basic use of CAD software such as OnShape, SolidWorks, etc.
  • test & measurement equipment including optical spectrum analyzers, rf spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, etc.
  • fiber fusion splicing
  • precision opto-mechanical assembly
  • CCD/CMOS cameras and image analysis
  • fiber array alignment
  • traceable optical validation setup
• Experience working in a laboratory, production, or cleanroom environment with cleanliness and ESD awareness
• Experience translating optical designs, specifications, and drawings into alignment and testing setups and verification
• Experience working on a team and collaborating across disciplines
• Deep curiosity and interest in learning new things

The pay range for this role is $132,000 $165,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company delivering a full stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. With active engagements spanning pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, government, industrial sectors, and leading academic and research institutions worldwide, we are helping organizations unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Our global team of more than 800 employees includes many of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at the Master's or PhD level. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Quantinuum operatesacross the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.

By joining Quantinuum, you'll help shape the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

What's in it for you?

We believe our people are our greatest strength and offer a comprehensive rewards package that supports your professional growth, well-being, and long-term success.

• Competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology
• Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match and student loan repayment benefit
• Equity opportunities
• Generous paid time off, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave
• Employee discount programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quantinuum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal. For more information about Quantinuum, please visit our website .

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.