Principal Optical Engineer

CT19; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

CT19's Hardware Engineering Group is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor, advancing state-of-the-art optical systems for neutral atom quantum computers. You will own architecture and oversee from R&D through productization, collaborating with physicists and a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a master's in optics and 10–15 years of experience, with expertise in free-space optics, lens and fiber design, lasers, optomechanics, Zemax, and CAD/PLM

Qualifications

• Master's degree in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or closely related field.
• 10–15 years of non-academic work experience; enterprise-scale and startup experience preferred.
• Deep experience in free-space optics, lens design, fiber optics, lasers, optical testing, and optomechanics.
• Experience bringing complex optical systems from concept to production.
• Experience with CAD/PLM tools and optical design/simulation software.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical module development through full lifecycle from concept to production.
• Collaborate with physicists to architect optical systems and modules for neutral atom quantum computers.
• Technically lead interdisciplinary engineering teams (optical/electrical/mechanical).
• Advance engineering practices through research and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with R&D/science teams to translate breakthroughs into products.
• Troubleshoot issues at HQ and customer sites with local support.

Skills

Free-space optics

Lens design

Fiber optics

Lasers

Optomechanics

Optical system testing

Education

Master's degree in optics or related field

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

PDM

PLM

Zemax

Job description

The Hardware Engineering Group is seeking strong candidates for a Principal Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company’s mission of building state‑of‑the‑art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company’s technology leadership and translating the company’s scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optical module design and development
• Work with physicists to understand requirements and architect optical systems, sub-systems, modules, and components to support a neutral atom computer through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
• Technically lead an interdisciplinary team of engineers (optical, electronic, mechanical, etc.) through the product development process to take an optical module from early phase concept through to implementation and production.
• Advance state‑of‑the‑art engineering practices through independent research, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to enable cutting‑edge R&D and translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
• Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off‑site installations at customer locations (in coordination with local support team).

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field.
• 10-15 years non-academic work experience. Experience at an enterprise scale as well as startup preferred.
• Deep experience and knowledge of: Free‑space optics, Lens design, Fiber optics, Lasers, Optical system characterization and testing and Optomechanics.
• Experience bringing complex optical systems from concept to production
• Expertise with using Mechanical CAD software (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks), Product Data Management (PDM) software, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
• Expertise with Optical simulation software (e.g. Zemax)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with quantum computing, especially neutral atom
• Professional work experience in commercial product development and off‑site product deployment at customer premises.