Optical Engineer

Atom Computing, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. in Boulder, CO is seeking an Optical Engineer to design and evaluate high‑precision optical subsystems. You will collaborate with mechanical engineers and physicists to advance laser distribution, high-NA imaging, and optical cavities, while developing alignment procedures and performing detailed analyses.

The role involves hands-on assembly and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, with a focus on delivering robust subsystems from component to system level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years optical design experience.
• 2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software.
• Experience with 3D CAD design software like Onshape or SolidWorks.

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 the engineering team for balancing competing requirements
• Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems from component to 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 up to 25 pounds.

Skills

Optical design

Tolerance analysis

Hands-on assembly

Communication skills

Experimentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

Zemax

FRED

Onshape

SolidWorks

Job description

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