Laser Engineer - Manufacturing

Atom Computing, Inc.; Colorado; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k) matching

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Daily catered lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. is hiring a Laser Engineer to join our Manufacturing organization in Colorado. You will integrate, stabilize, and troubleshoot laser systems used in our neutral-atom quantum computers, translating first-build experience into repeatable production processes.

You will develop procedures, perform system checkout before atom operations, and document results for handoff to Quantum Engineers. A BS in a related field and 3+ years in precise laser systems are preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience commissioning, stabilizing, characterizing, and troubleshooting precision laser systems.
• Experience transferring precision optical hardware from development into repeat builds is preferred.
• Proficiency with laser diagnostics and control interfaces.

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, noise, and beam quality; compare with acceptance criteria.
• Diagnose lock loss, power drift, and interface faults; collaborate with engineering teams on corrections.
• Develop acceptance tests and workflows with Manufacturing Engineering; use test automation where possible.
• Maintain records and document non-conformance and corrective actions.
• Support QE testing and handoff to QEs with proper documentation and readiness.

Skills

Laser stabilization

Optical alignment

Data analysis

Python

Education

BS in physics

Tools

Wavemeters

Oscilloscopes

Photodiodes

RF spectrum analyzers

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 setup, 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 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.

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.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.