Optical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision

Unlimited PTO

401K company matching

Disability and life insurance

Daily meals, drinks and snacks

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and build fixtures for precision alignment at our Boulder, CO facility. You will work closely with engineers to advance quantum hardware and ensure robust optical performance.

The role requires on-site work five days a week and involves collaboration across science and engineering teams, with opportunities for growth and impact in cutting-edge quantum computing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 3+ years optical design experience.
• 2+ years hands-on optics assembly experience in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Partner with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in laser distribution, high-NA microscope imaging, and optical cavities.
• Analyze and make recommendations to balance competing requirements.
• Create designs and specifications from component level to system level.
• Evaluate design solutions with detailed tolerance and stray light analysis.
• Develop alignment procedures for optical designs.
• Assist in hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized designs.
• Characterize the performance of optical subsystems.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.

Skills

Fourier Optics

Telecentric imaging

High-NA imaging

System design

Attention to detail

Collaborative

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences

Tools

Zemax

FRED

Onshape

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.

This position reports to the Optical Engineering Manager and requires on‑site work at our Boulder, CO facility five days per week.

Job 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

Experience & Education

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

Qualifications

• 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

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 - $150,000, 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.