Optics Engineer I, contractor

Quantinuum; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work arrangements

Employer-subsidized medical, dental, &

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Equity opportunities

Generous paid time off & holidays

Paid parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Quantinuum in Broomfield, CO seeks an Optics Engineer I (contractor) to assemble, align, characterize, and test advanced optical systems used in quantum computers. You will support R&D, prototype builds, and production readiness, ensuring systems meet specs and long‑term reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 0–2 years of experience in optics or related fields, with U.S. person status due to contractual requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in optics, photonics, physics, electrical engineering, or related technical field.
• 0–2 years of experience in optics, photonics, physics, electrical engineering or closely related discipline.
• U.S. Person per contractual requirements (citizenship, permanent resident, or eligible status).
• Security requirements prohibit PRC or Russian nationals unless also a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, assemble, align, characterize, and validate high-precision optical subassemblies and systems.
• Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of power, phase, frequency, polarization, stability, and frequency noise.
• Troubleshoot optical and optoelectronic systems and implement corrective actions for improved performance and reliability.
• Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records.
• Collect, analyze, graph, interpret, and present experimental and production data to support decisions.

Skills

Optical alignment

Optical metrology

Laser characterization

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optics/Photonics/Physics/EE or related field

Tools

Zemax

SolidWorks

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

We are seeking an Optics Engineer I, contractor in our Broomfield, CO location. In this role, you will be responsible for assembling, aligning, integrating, characterizing, and testing advanced optical systems used in Quantinuum's quantum computers. This role supports research and development, new product introduction, prototype builds, optical characterization, system integration, documentation development, and production readiness activities. You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements, quality standards, and long-term operational reliability. The ideal candidate will have a background in optical system design and integration, laser characterization, optical metrology, precision alignment, opto-mechanical assembly, and engineering problem solving.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, build, assemble, align, characterize, and validate high-precision optical subassemblies and optical systems. Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase, frequency, polarization, stability, and frequency noise. Troubleshoot optical and optoelectronic systems and implement corrective actions to improve product performance and manufacturing readiness. Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with production standards. Collect, analyze, graph, interpret, and present experimental and production data to support engineering decisions and design improvements. Perform other duties as assigned

YOU MUST HAVE:

Bachelor's degree required. 0-2 years of experience in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or green card holder, or worker 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:

Hands-on experience designing, integrating, aligning, characterizing, and testing optical and laser systems in laboratory or manufacturing environments. Knowledge of optical and electrical laboratory equipment, including lasers, fiber optic components, acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, precision optical instrumentation, spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, frequency counters, and related test equipment. Experience designing, integrating, aligning, characterizing, and testing free-space and fiber-coupled optical or electro-optical systems, including optical subassemblies, fiber fusion splicing, optical fiber handling, and precision opto-mechanical assembly, with demonstrated ability to support reliable long‑term system operation. Experience using optical design and mechanical CAD software such as Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent engineering tools. Experience creating and maintaining engineering documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), test plans, engineering change documentation, configuration management records, and working from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation. Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and technicians to support research and development, prototype builds, manufacturing readiness, sustaining engineering, root cause investigations, design verification, and continuous process improvements. Analytical, troubleshooting, communication, presentation, and technical documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple technical priorities in a fast‑paced research and manufacturing environment.

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 operatesacross 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.

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

80000 - 108000 USD a year

Compensation & Benefits

The pay range for this role is $80,000 - $108,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.

QUANTUM ROLE CONTEXT | Appended by Quantum.Jobs v2

Role context:

This early‑career engineering role exists to assemble, integrate, and validate physical optical assemblies required for specialized hardware operations. Positioned within laboratory and manufacturing workflows, the role bridges initial prototype assembly and repeatable production readiness. Engineers in this function work alongside cross‑functional technical teams, transforming optical and laser system designs into functional, aligned hardware. By performing characterization, metrology, and troubleshooting, personnel ensure subassemblies meet performance standards prior to system‑level integration.

Quantum ecosystem relevance:

The role supports the hardware layer of optical and trapped‑ion quantum computing architectures by maintaining precision optical control infrastructure. Laser manipulation, beam steering, and stable light delivery are critical enabling functions for quantum state initialization, gate operations, and qubit readout. Personnel in this role establish technical documentation, verify signal stability, and maintain optical hardware integrity. This work enables experimental quantum hardware platforms to transition into reliable, repeatable testbeds suitable for commercial deployment.

Capability signals:

• - Practical experience in precision optical alignment and opto‑mechanical system assembly
• - Proficiency in executing optical characterization, power stability, and metrology measurements
• - Ability to troubleshoot laser paths, optoelectronic systems, and signal degradation issues
• - Competence in maintaining detailed engineering documentation, test plans, and procedures
• - Working knowledge of free‑space optics, fiber handling, and CAD design software