Principal Optical Engineer — Quantum Optics Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance for

Unlimited PTO

401K company matching

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

FSA and dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Meals and beverages at office

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead optical design across next-gen neutral atom quantum computers. You will define standards, perform rigorous modeling, and collaborate with physicists to architect optical assemblies and modules.

The role reports to the VP of Optical Engineering and requires on-site work at our Boulder, CO facility four to five days per week. You will mentor engineers, guide vendor collaborations, and contribute to proposals and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 10+ years optical design experience.
• 7+ years hands-on optics assembly experience in a lab.
• Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead design and specification of complex optical systems from component to system level.
• Collaborate with technical leads to inform next-gen hardware development lifecycle.
• Develop requirements and architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules.
• Enforce best practices for optical design with tolerance analyses and stray light modeling.
• Define precision alignment procedures for all designs and subsystems.
• Provide leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and alignment.
• Mentor junior team members and generate training materials.
• Contribute to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Develop complex optical components with external vendors and manage deliverables.
• Troubleshoot issues at Atom and customer facilities.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.

Skills

High-NA imaging

Zemax/FRED

3D CAD

STOP analysis

Free-space & fiber optics

High-power laser design

Mentoring teams

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences/Optical Engineering

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

Onshape

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Job description

Atom Computing, Inc. is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead optical design across next-gen neutral atom quantum computers. You will define standards, perform rigorous modeling, and collaborate with physicists to architect optical assemblies and modules.

The role reports to the VP of Optical Engineering and requires on-site work at our Boulder, CO facility four to five days per week. You will mentor engineers, guide vendor collaborations, and contribute to proposals and presentations.