Laser Engineer - Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K matching

Disability (short & long-term)

FSA

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Daily catered team lunches

Job summary

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

You will work with engineers to translate first-build experience into scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes for our neutral-atom quantum computers. In this hands-on SI&T role, you will integrate, stabilize, characterize, and troubleshoot laser systems, develop procedures, and prepare documentation for handoff to Quantum Engineers.

Qualifications

• BS in physics, optical engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on experience with precision laser systems.
• Experience transferring hardware to repeat builds.

Responsibilities

• Install, align, and commission laser sources and stabilization hardware.
• Set up stabilization and verify lock acquisition and recovery.
• Characterize optical power, frequency stability, and beam quality.
• Maintain records and prepare QA handoff documentation.

Skills

Laser stabilization

System integration

Troubleshooting

Python

Education

BS in Physics or Optical Engineering

Tools

Wavemeters

Oscilloscopes

Optical spectrum analyzer

RF spectrum analyzer

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the‑art in quantum computing.

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 set‑up, test, and recovery procedures, completing laser system checkout prior to atom operations, and preparing the documentation required for handoff to Quantum Engineers (QEs).

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 set‑up, 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.

Experience & Education

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

$120,000 - $150,000 a year

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including

• fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents
• unlimited paid time off
• 401K company matching
• short‑and long‑term disability
• FSA
• dependent care benefits
• life insurance
• 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.