Optical Engineer

Atomcomputing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited paid time off

401K company matching

Catered team lunches

Snacks and drinks in the office

Job summary

Atom Computing in Boulder, Colorado is looking for an Optical Engineer to design and develop optical subsystems for quantum computers. This role involves collaboration with mechanical engineers and physicists to innovate in optical solutions, ensuring precision alignment and assembly.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences and substantial experience in design and assembly. The position offers a competitive salary of $120,000 - $145,000 and generous benefits including fully paid medical and unlimited paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years optical design experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Design optical subsystems with engineers and physicists.
• Create specifications for optical systems.
• Assist in the assembly and alignment of optics.

Skills

Optical design experience

Hands-on optics assembly experience

Experience with CAD software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or related field

Advanced degree

Tools

Zemax

Solidworks

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.

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto‑mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Partner with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
• Analyze and make recommendations to the engineering team for balancing competing requirements
• Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
• Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
• Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
• Assist in hands‑on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
• Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
• 3-5+ years optical design experience
• 2+ years of hands‑on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging
• Experience in the design of high‑numerical‑aperture imaging systems
• Experience with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray‑tracing software
• Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
• High attention‑to‑detail and accuracy
• Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
• Excellent communication, listening and people skills

Benefits

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 $120,000 - $145,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.