Optical Physicist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision

Unlimited paid time off

401(k) company matching

Short- and long-term disability

FSA

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Drinks, snacks, catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing seeks an Optical Physicist to design, model, and prototype optical devices that scale quantum processors. You will work with a cross-disciplinary team to translate concepts into deployable hardware and validate them experimentally.

The role emphasizes cutting-edge optoelectronics, optical cavities, modulators, and laser physics, with opportunities to contribute to a fast-growing quantum computing startup. Strong collaboration and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, or closely related discipline with a strong focus on experimental optics.
• Deep theoretical and experimental mastery of advanced optical physics (e.g., optical cavities, frequency combs, optical modulators, or nonlinear optics).
• Proven experience designing, building, and characterizing complex experimental optical setups from first principles.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical modeling (analytical and numerical), prototyping, and experimental validation to translate novel optical concepts into deployable hardware for scaling quantum processors.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experimental physicists, quantum theorists, optical engineers, and hardware and software engineers to integrate new technologies into our quantum computers.
• Analyze experimental findings and communicate insights to guide hardware design.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics / Applied Physics / Optical Sciences

Tools

Python

Git

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.

We are seeking an Optical Physicist to develop the next generation of optical devices required to scale our quantum computers. In this role, you will conceptualize, model, and prototype optical devices with fundamentally new modes of operation. Working with a talented team of engineers, you will rigorously qualify these devices and integrate them into state-of-the‑art quantum computers.

This position is tailored for PhD-level physicists or optical scientists focused on optoelectronics, optical cavities and modulators, and laser physics. Prior experience in neutral atom trapping or cold atom physics is not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical modeling (both analytical and numerical), prototyping, and experimental validation to translate novel optical concepts into deployable hardware for scaling quantum processors
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experimental physicists, quantum theorists, optical engineers, and hardware and software engineers to integrate new technologies into our quantum computers
• Analyze experimental findings and communicate insights to guide hardware design
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, or a closely related discipline with a strong focus on experimental optics
• Deep theoretical and experimental mastery of advanced optical physics (e.g., optical cavities, frequency combs, optical modulators, or nonlinear optics)
• Proven experience designing, building, and characterizing complex experimental optical setups from first principles
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral or industry experience in electro-optics, precision optics, or laser physics
• Proficiency with Python and Git for experimental automation, control, and data analysis
• Experience working in a fast-paced hardware development or start-up environment

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, we offer unlimited paid time off, 401(k) 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 an annual bonus and incentive stock options for 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.