Principal Optical Engineer

Lever, Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k) matching

Disability insurance

FSA

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Snacks, drinks & catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design of complex optical systems for next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. You will work closely with physicists and engineers to establish requirements, architectures, and best practices, while guiding hands-on assembly and precision alignment at our Boulder, CO site.

You will mentor junior engineers, contribute to proposals and technical writing, and help generate new IP.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise and leadership in high-NA imaging system design.
• Proven track record driving complex optics initiatives from conception to deployment.
• Experience with free-space and fiber optics, lasers, and optical metrology.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and specification of next-generation optical systems and subsystems.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to inform hardware development lifecycle.
• Develop requirements and architecture for optical assemblies and modules.
• Establish best practices, tolerance analysis, and stray light modeling.
• Define precision alignment procedures and oversee assembly.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical writing and proposals.
• Generate IP and work with vendors on components and deliverables.
• Support customer engagements and troubleshoot off-site issues.

Skills

High-NA imaging design

Laser distribution networks

Zemax / FRED ray-tracing

STOP analysis

3D CAD (Onshape, SolidWorks)

Free-space & fiber optics

Optical metrology/characterization

Polarization & detection

Leadership & mentoring

High-power laser design

Education

Bachelor’s in Optical Sciences / Optical Engineering

Advanced degree in optics (preferred)

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 of Optical Engineering and requires on-site work at our Boulder, CO facility four to five 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

Required 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

$170,000 - $200,000 a year

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 $170,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.