Laser Engineer

Atom Computing, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. in Boulder, CO, is seeking an experimental laser engineer to align, tune, and troubleshoot optical and laser systems integral to our quantum computing hardware.

You will characterize and optimize phase-locking and nonlinear optical components while modeling systems for upgrades and new builds. You will collaborate with physicists, hardware and software engineers to maximize performance, analyze optical test data, and document changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience with optical, opto-mechanical, or laser systems.

Responsibilities

• Align, tune, and troubleshoot optical and laser systems to keep quantum hardware running reliably.
• Characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems for performance.
• Design and model nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems for new hardware builds and upgrades.
• Provide technical expertise to laser and optical projects to maximize performance and robustness.
• Take, plot, analyze, fit, and interpret data from optical testing experiments to guide design decisions.
• Gather project requirements from stakeholders and keep the team on schedule with prioritization.
• Create and maintain engineering change documentation from drawings and diagrams.
• Collaborate daily with experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers to integrate laser systems.
• Report progress and technical findings to the Laser Engineering Manager and contribute to the team's roadmap.

Skills

Laser alignment

Optical testing

Phase-locking

Nonlinear optics

Data analysis

Experimentation

Hardware integration

Technical documentation

Cross-team collaboration

Python

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, or Engineering

Tools

Zemax

CAD (Onshape/SolidWorks)

LabVIEW

Job description

• Align, tune, and troubleshoot optical and laser systems — including diode- and fiber-based lasers/amplifiers and nonlinear optical systems — to keep quantum computing hardware running reliably


• Characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems to improve performance and stability


• Design and model nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems for new hardware builds and system upgrades


• Provide technical expertise to laser and optical projects across the team, with the goal of maximizing performance and robustness


• Take, plot, analyze, fit, and interpret data from optical testing experiments to guide design and troubleshooting decisions


• Gather project requirements from stakeholders, turn them into action plans, and keep the team on schedule with proper prioritization


• Create and maintain engineering change documentation; work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and other written, visual, and oral instructions


• Collaborate day-to-day with experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers to integrate laser systems into the broader quantum computing platform


• Report progress, risks, and technical findings to the Laser Engineering Manager, and contribute to the team's roadmap for scaling laser systems

Job Responsibilities

• Align, tune, and troubleshoot optical and laser systems — including diode- and fiber-based lasers/amplifiers and nonlinear optical systems — to keep quantum computing hardware running reliably


• Characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems to improve performance and stability


• Design and model nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems for new hardware builds and system upgrades


• Provide technical expertise to laser and optical projects across the team, with the goal of maximizing performance and robustness


• Take, plot, analyze, fit, and interpret data from optical testing experiments to guide design and troubleshooting decisions


• Gather project requirements from stakeholders, turn them into action plans, and keep the team on schedule with proper prioritization


• Create and maintain engineering change documentation; work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and other written, visual, and oral instructions


• Collaborate day-to-day with experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers to integrate laser systems into the broader quantum computing platform


• Report progress, risks, and technical findings to the Laser Engineering Manager, and contribute to the team's roadmap for scaling laser systems

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field


• Minimum 2+ years of experience (advanced degree inclusive) using and maintaining optical, opto-mechanical, and/or laser systems

Required Qualifications

• Temperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and comfortable with ambiguity


• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers


• Hands-on experience aligning optical elements in accordance with documented designs


• Experience with current state-of-the-art lasers/amplifiers (e.g., diode and fiber-based) and nonlinear optical materials, including characterization, phase-locking, and optimization of laser and nonlinear optical systems, plus design and modeling experience for nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems


• Experience with data analysis: taking, plotting, analyzing, fitting, and interpreting data from optical testing experiments


• Experience with engineering change documentation; ability to work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, sketches, and other written, visual, and oral instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Python and Git software version control


• Familiarity with Zemax, Onshape, and/or SolidWorks/CAD for designing optical and optomechanical systems

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.