Optical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K matching

Disability insurance

Flexible spending account

Job summary

Atom Computing, based in Boulder, CO, is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to develop fixtures and processes for precision alignment and assembly.

The role reports to the Optical Engineering Manager and requires on-site work five days per week at our Boulder, CO facility. The position involves hands-on design, analysis, and alignment duties within a collaborative team of scientists and engineers.

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 in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in laser distribution, high NA imaging, and optical cavities.
• Analyze and make recommendations to balance competing requirements.
• Create designs and specifications of optical systems from component to system level.
• Evaluate design solutions via 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 up to 25 pounds.

Skills

Fourier Optics

High-NA imaging

Ray-tracing software

3D CAD design

Optical alignment

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences

Tools

Zemax

FRED

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.