Principal Optical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k) company matching

Disability insurance (short- and long‑

dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Snacks and catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to lead design of next-generation optical systems for neutral atom quantum computers. You will define standards, perform modeling, and work with physicists to architect optical assemblies and modules.

This on-site role reports to the VP of Optical Engineering at our Boulder facility, with 4–5 days/week on-site. Requirements include a 10+ year track record in optical design, 7+ years hands-on assembly, and proficiency with Zemax/FRED and 3D CAD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences/Engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 10+ years optical design experience.
• 7+ years hands-on optics assembly in a laboratory environment.
• Experience taking a complex optical system from concept to productization.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead the design and specification of next-generation optical systems and subsystems from component to system level.
• Collaborate with engineering leads to understand product use cases guiding hardware development.
• Develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules for next-gen neutral atom COMPUTERS.
• Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, conduct detailed tolerance and stray light analyses.
• Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all designs and subsystems.
• Provide leadership and hands-on oversight for assembly and alignment of optical designs.
• Mentor junior team members and produce training documentation.
• Contribute to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations; generate IP.
• Develop complex optical components with external vendors and manage deliverables.
• Engage in external speaking and customer engagements; troubleshoot issues on-site and off-site.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.

Skills

High-NA imaging

Laser distribution

Leadership

Zemax/FRED

STOP analysis

3D CAD

Free-space optics

High-power lasers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences/Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Zemax/FRED

3D CAD tools (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.

Job 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

Experience & Education

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
• Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site

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, 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 equity in the company.