Optical Assembly and Alignment Engineer

Atom Computing, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision

Unlimited PTO

401K company matching

Drinks, snacks, and catered team meals

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. seeks an Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to build, align, and verify optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies for neutral-atom quantum computers.

You will deliver tested optical subsystems and maintain alignment records for the system integration team. The role requires hands-on work with free-space beam alignment, polarization control, and fiber coupling, plus meticulous documentation and safety practices.

Qualifications

• BS in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years hands-on optical assembly, free-space alignment, fiber coupling, and characterization of precision laser hardware.
• Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements for subsystem acceptance.

Responsibilities

• Assemble optical breadboards and optomechanical hardware from layouts, drawings, BOMs, and instructions.
• Install and align lenses, mirrors, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies to establish beam paths.
• Measure optical power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling performance; perform wavefront measurements as required.
• Troubleshoot optical loss, clipping, drift, polarization errors; document findings and adjust or rework as needed.
• Collaborate with Optical Bonding Technicians for pre-bond alignment and verify post-bond performance.
• Maintain optical cleanliness and follow laser-safety practices during assembly and testing.
• Complete subsystem verification and maintain alignment/measurement records for system integration.
• Learn first-of-a-kind methods with Engineering and improve assembly instructions with Manufacturing.

Skills

free-space beam alignment

fiber coupling

polarization control

troubleshooting

recordkeeping

Education

BS in optics or related field

advanced degree preferred

Tools

optical power meters

beam-imaging cameras

bench metrology

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 an Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to build, align, and verify optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies for neutral-atom quantum computers. This hands-on role delivers tested optical subsystems and alignment records to the system integration team.

Responsibilities

• Assemble optical breadboards and optomechanical hardware from released layouts, drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions
• Install and align lenses, mirrors, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies to establish the required beam paths and subsystem interfaces
• Measure optical power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling performance; use wavefront measurements where required by approved test procedures
• Troubleshoot optical loss, clipping, alignment drift, and polarization errors; document findings and perform approved adjustments or rework
• Work with Optical Bonding Technicians to establish pre-bond alignment and verify that curing or fastening has not disturbed optical performance
• Maintain optical cleanliness, protect sensitive coatings, and follow approved handling and laser-safety practices throughout assembly and test
• Complete subsystem verification and maintain component, alignment, and measurement records; support resolution of optical issues found during system integration
• Learn first-of-a-kind methods alongside Engineering and improve repeat-build alignment instructions, fixtures, and assembly sequences with Manufacturing Engineering

Experience & Education

• BS in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant optical-engineering experience; advanced degree preferred
• 5+ years of hands-on optical assembly, free-space alignment, fiber coupling, and characterization of precision laser or photonics hardware
• Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements for subsystem acceptance
• Experience with neutral-atom quantum-computer optics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, or precision scientific instrumentation preferred

Qualifications

• Strong practical knowledge of free-space beam alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and the relationship between component placement and optical performance
• Proficiency with optical power meters, beam-imaging cameras, and related bench metrology; wavefront-measurement experience preferred
• Ability to interpret optical layouts and optomechanical drawings and work safely with delicate coated optics
• Systematic troubleshooting and careful recordkeeping so another engineer can reproduce alignment and verification results
• Ability to work closely with bonding, verification, and integration teams; familiarity with measurement-data analysis or laboratory scripting preferred
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

• 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 between $100,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

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.