Optical Engineer - 971

NCSL International; Broomfield, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantinuum, based in Broomfield, CO, is seeking an Optical Engineer to support R&D for next‑generation quantum systems. You will join a cross‑disciplinary team to develop metrology, align optical components, and measure device performance in a lab environment.

The role requires hands‑on experience with optical testing, free‑space and photonic systems, and Python for hardware control. The company offers a comprehensive rewards package and opportunities in a fast‑growing quantum technology field.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience optical testing and alignment of components and systems.
• Minimum 2 years' experience building, aligning, debugging, and troubleshooting free-space optical, micro‑optical, and/or photonic systems.
• Minimum 1 year experience using Python to control hardware and for data acquisition & analysis.
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder.
• Due to national security requirements, candidates must not be a PRC national or Russian national unless also a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Build and optimize metrology systems to assemble, characterize, refine, validate, and improve metasurface, micro‑optical, and integrated photonic components and systems
• Collaborate on a team of optical engineers, physicists, and opto‑mechanical engineers to develop new ways to create, deliver, and measure light to trapped ions
• Develop and use high‑sensitivity measurement techniques and systems to evaluate the optical output of optical and photonic devices
• Drive the development and design of metrology systems that validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers to inform roadmaps and production
• Document and communicate procedures, results, and conclusions to teammates, collaborators, and stakeholders

Skills

Metrology systems

Free-space optics

Optical assembly

Python

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate or Bachelor's degree in optics, applied physics, electrical engineering, physical science or instrumentation

Tools

Zemax

Code V

OnShape

SolidWorks

Optical spectrum analyzers

RF spectrum analyzers

Job description

We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support R&D in our Broomfield, CO Location.

Our team develops optics and integrated photonics technologies that enable scaling of our trapped‑ion quantum computers from our current 98‑qubit Helios system to our future Lumos system with hundreds of thousands of qubits. The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next‑generation systems, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross‑disciplinary team.

All applicants for placement in safety‑sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre‑employment drug test.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and optimize metrology systems to assemble, characterize, refine, validate, and improve metasurface, micro‑optical, and integrated photonic components and systems
• Collaborate on a team of optical engineers, physicists, and opto‑mechanical engineers to develop new ways to create, deliver, and measure light to trapped ions
• Develop and use high‑sensitivity measurement techniques and systems to evaluate the optical output of optical and photonic devices
• Drive the development and design of metrology systems that validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers to inform roadmaps and production
• Document and communicate procedures, results, and conclusions to teammates, collaborators, and stakeholders

YOU MUST HAVE:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Minimum 2 years' experience (degree inclusive) optical testing and alignment of components and systems
• Minimum 2 years' experience (degree inclusive) building, aligning, debugging, and troubleshooting free-space optical, micro‑optical, and/or photonic systems
• Minimum 1 year experience (degree inclusive) using python (or related programming language) to control hardware and for data acquisition & analysis
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in optics, applied physics, electrical engineering, physical science or instrumentation
• Deep understanding of several areas of optics and photonics, and experience applying this knowledge to hands‑on projects
• Experience in at least 7 of the following areas:
  • coherent optics utilizing diffractive optics (DOEs) and/or metasurfaces
  • polarizing optical components and photonics metrology
  • lasers at several wavelengths from UV to IR
  • optical modeling software such as Zemax, Code V, etc.
  • basic use of CAD software such as OnShape, SolidWorks, etc.
  • test & measurement equipment including optical spectrum analyzers, rf spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, etc.
  • fiber fusion splicing
  • precision opto‑mechanical assembly
  • CCD/CMOS cameras and image analysis
  • fiber array alignment
  • traceable optical validation setup
• Experience working in a laboratory, production, or cleanroom environment with cleanliness and ESD awareness
• Experience translating optical designs, specifications, and drawings into alignment and testing setups and verification
• Experience working on a team and collaborating across disciplines
• Deep curiosity and interest in learning new things

The pay range for this role is $102,000 $128,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company delivering a full stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real‑world environments. With active engagements spanning pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, government, industrial sectors, and leading academic and research institutions worldwide, we are helping organizations unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Our global team of more than 800 employees includes many of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at the Master's or PhD level. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Quantinuum operates across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.

By joining Quantinuum, you'll help shape the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

What's in it for you?

We believe our people are our greatest strength and offer a comprehensive rewards package that supports your professional growth, well‑being, and long‑term success.

• Competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology
• Flexible work arrangements that support work‑life balance
• Employer‑subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match and student loan repayment benefit
• Equity opportunities
• Generous paid time off, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave
• Employee discount programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quantinuum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal. For more information about Quantinuum, please visit our website .

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.