Laser Engineer - Manufacturing

Atom Computing, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Unlimited PTO

401K match

Disability insurance

FSA

Dependent care

Life insurance

Snacks and catered lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. in Boulder, CO is seeking a Laser Engineer to join the Manufacturing team.

This mid-level, full-time role focuses on translating first-build experience into reliable manufacturing processes for our laser systems used in neutral-atom quantum computers. You will install, align, and troubleshoot laser sources, ensure stability, and develop procedures for setup, testing, and handoff to Quantum Engineers, while documenting results and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• BS in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years hands-on experience commissioning, stabilizing, characterizing, and troubleshooting precision laser systems.
• Experience transferring precision optical hardware from development into repeat builds preferred.
• Practical experience with laser frequency or intensity stabilization, feedback control, and fault diagnosis.
• Hands-on free-space alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and handling of precision optical components.
• Proficiency with laser diagnostics such as wavemeters, photodiodes, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, and optical or RF spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to interpret optical layouts, electrical schematics, control interfaces, and test data; clear communication with engineers, physicists, and technicians.
• Experience with diode or fiber lasers, optical amplifiers, nonlinear frequency conversion, or AMO/neutral-atom hardware preferred.
• Python or equivalent tools for instrument control and data analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, align, and commission laser sources, amplifiers, and stabilization hardware; verify interfaces.
• Set up and tune frequency and intensity stabilization; verify lock acquisition and recovery.
• Measure optical power, stability, linewidth, and noise; compare with acceptance criteria.
• Diagnose lock loss, power drift, coupling degradation, and interface faults; coordinate with teams on fixes.
• Develop acceptance tests and work instructions with Manufacturing Engineering for setup, alignment, calibration, and maintenance.
• Maintain serial-number, configuration, calibration, and test records; document non-conformance and corrective actions.
• Support system integration and laser hardware corrections during QE testing; QE owns final verification.
• Follow laser-safety, interlock, and contamination-control practices; coordinate with laser suppliers.

Skills

Laser stabilization

System integration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Python

Optics alignment

Data analysis

Education

BS in physics/optical/electrical engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Wave meters

Photodiodes

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Optical power meters

Job description

Laser Engineer - Manufacturing at Atom Computing, Boulder, CO. A mid-level full time position in the Manufacturing team, listed under hardware engineering.

We are seeking a Laser Engineer to join our new Manufacturing organization. Working alongside the engineers and physicists developing our hardware, you will help translate first-build experience into reliable, repeatable manufacturing processes.

In this hands-on System Integration & Test (SI&T) role, you will integrate, stabilize, characterize, and troubleshoot the laser systems used in our neutral-atom quantum computers. Your responsibilities will include developing setup, test, and recovery procedures, completing laser system checkout prior to atom operations, and preparing the documentation required for handoff to Quantum Engineers (QEs).

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 $120,000 - $150,000 commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

Responsibilities

• Install, align, and commission laser sources, amplifiers, and associated stabilization hardware from approved designs; verify optical, electrical, cooling, and control interfaces.
• Set up and tune frequency and intensity stabilization; verify lock acquisition, stability, and recovery using approved methods.
• Measure optical power, frequency stability, linewidth and noise where required, beam quality, and polarization; compare results with agreed laser acceptance and SI&T handoff criteria.
• Diagnose loss of lock, power drift, coupling degradation, thermal sensitivity, and interface faults; work with Laser Engineering, controls, and subsystem teams on approved corrections.
• Develop acceptance tests and controlled work instructions with Manufacturing Engineering for setup, alignment, calibration, and routine maintenance; use test automation where practical.
• Maintain serial-number, configuration, calibration, and test records; document non-conformance and corrective actions.
• Support system integration and laser hardware corrections during QE testing. QEs own verification with atoms and final technical acceptance.
• Follow laser-safety, interlock, and contamination-control practices; coordinate technical support and repairs with laser suppliers.

Requirements

• BS in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience commissioning, stabilizing, characterizing, and troubleshooting precision laser systems.
• Experience transferring precision optical or scientific hardware from development into repeat builds preferred.
• Practical experience with laser frequency or intensity stabilization, feedback control, and fault diagnosis.
• Hands-on free-space alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and handling of precision optical components.
• Proficiency with laser diagnostics such as wavemeters, photodiodes, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, and optical or RF spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to interpret optical layouts, electrical schematics, control interfaces, and test data; careful documentation and clear communication with engineers, physicists, and technicians.
• Experience with diode or fiber lasers, optical amplifiers, nonlinear frequency conversion, or atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) or neutral-atom hardware preferred.
• Python or equivalent tools for instrument control and data analysis preferred.