Optical Engineer

Rydberg Technologies; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rydberg Technologies is seeking an Optical Engineer to design, integrate, assemble, and test advanced optical systems for atom-based quantum and photonic devices. You will work with physicists and engineers on precision assemblies, metrology-driven testing, and robust hardware design.

The role requires hands-on expertise with optics, lasers, and optoelectronics, plus strong CAD and simulation skills (Zemax, LightTools, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS).

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; substantial industry experience accepted.
• Minimum 5 years of Optical Engineering or related experience.
• Strong background in optics and laser development and implementation.
• Proficiency with Zemax/LightTools and SolidWorks/COMSOL.
• Experience with fiber optics, optical metrology tools, and frequency-stabilized lasers.
• Programming in Python, C, and MATLAB is preferred.
• Experience with optical test and measurement equipment and methodologies.
• Familiarity with atomic quantum technologies and their optical subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and develop complex micro-optical assemblies, lasers, and optoelectronics.
• Execute hands-on tasks including precision assembly, integration, and testing to meet high performance standards.
• Design and test optical setups for R&D, applying optical metrology tools for quantitative tasks.
• Conduct mechanical and thermal simulations to ensure robust hardware in harsh environments using SolidWorks and COMSOL.
• Collaborate on manufacturing processes for optical and quantum devices.
• Manage documentation and project details through all development stages.
• Use Zemax and LightTools or similar software, and SolidWorks for design and prototyping; ANSYS for simulations.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers and support staff.
• Stay current with industry trends in optical metrology and engineering.

Skills

Team Collaboration

Project Management

Hands-on Assembly and Testing

Analytical Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Independent Work

Teamwork in Fast-Paced Environment

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

LightTools

SolidWorks

COMSOL

ANSYS

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Rydberg Technologies is seeking a dynamic and experienced Optical Engineer to play a critical role in pioneering atomic quantum and photonic device technology. This hands‑on position encompasses designing, integrating, assembling, and testing advanced optical systems including laser, optical, opto‑mechanical, and opto‑electronic systems to meet rigorous performance standards for atom‑based quantum and photonic devices. This hands‑on role will involve close coordination with physicists and engineers, critical to developing optical systems and lasers devices for atom quantum devices and new frontiers in sensing technology. We seek high‑caliber candidates who are solution‑oriented, organized, self‑motivated, have an interest in top‑level project planning, give attention to the finest project details, and have the ability to both work autonomously and in a dynamic, fast‑paced team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and develop complex micro‑optical assemblies, lasers, and optoelectronics.
• Execute hands‑on tasks including precision assembly, integration, and testing to ensure adherence to high performance standards and specifications.
• Design and test optical setups for research and development, and utilize and apply optical metrology tools and methodologies for rigorous quantitative optical science and engineering tasks (e.g. power spectrum analysis, phase noise measurements, photon correlation) .
• Conduct mechanical and thermal simulations to ensure robust hardware performance in harsh environments using SolidWorks and COMSOL.
• Collaborate in the development of manufacturing processes for optical and quantum devices.
• Manage documentation and project details meticulously through all stages of development.
• Employ optical design software such as Zemax and LightTools or similar specialized optical design software, engineering design software like SolidWorks for design and prototyping, ANSYS for system simulations.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to engineers and support staff.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in optical metrology and optical engineering.

Other Skills

• Optical Design and Simulation – Proficiency in using optical design software like Zemax.
• Engineering Design Software – Skilled in SolidWorks and other CAD tools for design.
• Simulation Software – Proficiency in using simulation tools like ANSYS for thermal and mechanical analyses.
• Optics, Optoelectronics, and Lasers – Proficiency in optics and electromagnetic theory, gaussian beam optics, polarization optics, fiber‑optics, modulators (AOMs, EOMs), optical frequency stabilization, narrow‑linewidth lasers, diode, optical amplifiers, fiber lasers.
• Optoelectronics – Experience integrating and optimizing optoelectronic devices within optical systems, photodetectors, photomultipliers, single photon detectors, and electronics.
• Optical Metrology – Familiarity with optical metrology tools and measurement techniques for system performance evaluation.
• Frequency‑Stabilized Lasers – Understanding of the design and application of frequency‑stabilized laser systems, optical cavities, and stabilization techniques such as PDH.
• Micro Optics – Experience in designing and implementing micro‑optical assemblies.
• Opto‑mechanics – Expertise in integrating optical components within mechanical systems.
• Hands‑on Assembly and Testing – Capable of conducting precision assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of optical systems.
• Project Management – Ability to manage projects from conception through to production and testing.
• Team Collaboration – Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and communicating effectively across different departments.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement – A proactive approach to staying updated with industry advancements and implementing continuous improvement practices.

Qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or substantial industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Optical Engineering or related field.
• Strong background in optics and laser development and implementation.
• Proficiency in optical design and simulation software (Zemax, LightTools), and mechanical design and simulation software (SolidWorks, COMSOL).
• Experience in fiber optics, optical metrology tools, and frequency‑stabilized lasers.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C, and MATLAB.
• Experience with optical test and measurement equipment and methodologies.
• Familiarity with atomic quantum technologies and their optical and laser subsystems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Capable of independent and team‑based work, with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative team environment.
• US citizens or green card holders may be given priority due to export controls.