Principal Optical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401K matching

Unlimited paid time off

Short-term and long-term disability

Life insurance

Daily team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design of next-generation optical systems for neutral atom quantum computers. This role requires on-site work at our Boulder, CO facility 4–5 days per week, collaborating with physicists and engineers to define architecture and rigorous standards.

You will mentor junior engineers, contribute to proposals and technical writing, and drive complex initiatives from conception through deployment, including external vendor coordination

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field.
• Advanced degree is a plus.
• 10+ years optical design experience.
• 7+ years hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization.
• Deep expertise in high-NA imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks.
• Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software.
• Experience with STOP analysis.
• Experience with 3D CAD (Onshape, SolidWorks).
• Deep experience with free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection.
• Experience with high-power lasers and high-power systems.
• Experience with neutral atom quantum computing.
• Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level.
• Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle.
• Develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules for neutral atom quantum computers.
• Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing detailed tolerance analysis and stray light modeling.
• Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems.
• Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment.
• Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures.
• Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Generate new intellectual property and inventions.
• Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors and manage deliverables.
• External speaking and/or customer engagements.
• Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.

Skills

Optical design

Leadership

Ray-tracing software

3D CAD

Team mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences

Advanced degree

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.

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next‑generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on‑site at our Boulder, CO facility 4‑5 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next‑generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
• Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
• Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
• Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
• Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
• Provide high‑level leadership and oversight for hands‑on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
• Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
• Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
• Generate new intellectual property and inventions
• Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
• External speaking and/or customer engagements
• Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off‑site customer facilities
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
• 10+ years optical design experience
• 7+ years of hands‑on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
• Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
• Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high‑numerical‑aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
• Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
• Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray‑tracing software
• Experience with structural‑thermal‑optical‑performance (STOP) analysis
• Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
• Deep experience and knowledge of free‑space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
• Experience with high‑power lasers and optical design toward high‑power systems
• Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
• Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
• Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site

Benefits

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 an annual bonus and equity in the company.