Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Atom Computing; 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

Life insurance

Meals and snacks in office

Job summary

Atom Computing seeks a Principal Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of opto‑mechanical subsystems and guide DFMA, tolerancing, and integration across the hardware stack.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate with physicists, interface with vendors, and contribute to roadmaps, test plans, and IP generation. This role requires seasoned leadership and strong communication across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Experience designing complex opto‑mechanical systems with leadership responsibilities.
• Ability to mentor and scale an engineering team across projects.
• Proven track record in tolerancing, DFMA, and design for manufacturability in optics.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead design of next‑gen opto‑mechanical systems and HV chambers.
• Define requirements with cross‑functional teams and guide hardware lifecycle.
• Architect mechanical solutions for optical assemblies with precision stability.
• Enforce design standards, perform tolerance analyses, and drive DFMA.
• Provide leadership and hands‑on assembly oversight for critical designs.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop internal training materials.
• Contribute to roadmap, technical plans, and resource assessments.
• Participate in technical documentation, proposals, and IP generation.
• Manage external vendors and define deliverables.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across product lifecycle, onsite and offsite.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds as needed.

Skills

Opto‑mechanical design

Leadership

DFMA

Tolerancing

First order optics

Kinematic systems

Strong communication

Mentoring

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree (a plus)

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

FEA software

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.

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to help lead the design of opto‑mechanical subsystems, while also assisting with fixturing, assembly, alignment, test, and integration.

Job Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next‑generation opto‑mechanical systems, ultra‑high vacuum chambers, and mechanical infrastructure from the component level up to the system level.
• Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to define product requirements and inform the next‑generation hardware development lifecycle.
• Partner with physicists and subject matter experts to architect robust mechanical solutions for optical assemblies, ensuring high‑precision stability, thermal performance, and alignment integrity.
• Establish and enforce rigorous design standards and best practices for opto‑mechanical engineering, including leading critical design reviews, performing advanced tolerance analysis, and driving Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) to ensure scalability.
• Provide high‑level technical leadership and oversight for the hands‑on assembly, alignment, and system integration of critical opto‑mechanical designs.
• Mentor junior team members, generate internal training documentation, and drive technical growth and standardization within the engineering organization.
• Participate in long‑term technical program planning, including contributing to roadmap development and resource assessments to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical documentation, grant proposals, and IP generation (patents and inventions).
• Oversee external vendor relationships for complex component development, managing the design process and defining key deliverables.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across the product lifecycle, both 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 Mechanical Engineering, advanced degree is a plus
• 10+ years opto‑mechanical design experience
• 8+ years of hands‑on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment

Qualifications

• Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design and build of complex opto‑mechanical systems
• Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
• Mastery of SolidWorks, PDM, or equivalent design and data management software
• Strong background with FEA (meshing, modal analysis, thermal analysis, etc.) and corresponding first order analysis
• Deep understanding of material science related to adhesives in an optical environment
• Ability to own and mentor team members in DFMA, tolerancing, drawings to ASME Y14.5M and ISO 10110
• Strong knowledge of first order optics and aberration theory
• Robust history in precision mechanisms and kinematic systems
• Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
• Excellent communication, listening, and people skills

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.