Optical Engineering Manager

Atomcomputing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K matching

Disability insurance

FSA

Dependent care

Life insurance

Daily meals

Job summary

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineering Manager to lead a team of optical engineers focused on laser-based optical systems for quantum computers. You will guide design, tolerance analysis, and performance modeling, ensuring seamless integration with mechanical and software components.

You will manage projects, budgets, and vendor relations while mentoring staff and shaping the optical technology roadmap in a fast-growing startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field required.
• 5+ years in optical system design and development, preferably in optoelectronics or computing.
• Experience leading optical engineering teams and recruiting engineers.
• Ability to work in a fast-growing startup with ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of optical engineers to develop optical solutions for quantum computers.
• Provide technical leadership for design, development, and optimization of optical systems.
• Develop optical specifications, tolerance analyses and performance models.
• Ensure optical–mechanical–software integration and cross-functional alignment.
• Manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications.
• Oversee vendor relationships, procurement, and documentation.
• Collaborate with managers, peers, and support staff to meet quality standards.

Skills

Optical design

Laser systems

Team leadership

Project management

Communication

3D CAD

Onshape

SolidWorks

Technical mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field

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.

As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical engineers who are driving the development and implementation of optical solutions for our quantum computers. You will bring in-depth knowledge of laser systems, optical design and laser materials processing.

• Hire, lead, mentor and manage a team of high-performing optical engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Provide technical leadership for the design, development, and optimization of complex optical systems for laser-based semiconductor equipment.
• Lead the development of optical specifications, tolerance analysis and performance models.
• Ensure the integration of optical systems with mechanical and software components.
• Develop and execute project plans, timelines, and budgets, while ensuring cross-functional alignment. Provide clear direction to ensure targets are met and consistent updates to all relevant stakeholders.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement of optical components.
• Oversee the creation of detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports and user manuals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, maintaining ongoing communication with technical managers, project leaders, peers and support staff.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field required
• 5+ years in optical system design and development, preferably in optoelectronics, lasers, optical communications, or optics in computing.
• Temperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing, early-stage startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and has a high tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware and software engineers, and support staff
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a changing work environment
• 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
• Deep understanding of optics, laser physics, and optical instrumentation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience and proficiency to manage projects and teams effectively
• Ability and passion for recruiting the best Optical Engineers from academia and industry

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 $160,000 - $185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer a bonus plan and incentive stock options for equity in the company.