Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer in Boulder

Energy Jobline ZR; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K matching

FSAs & dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Office snacks & catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems, including ultra-high vacuum chambers, and to guide integration across the product lifecycle.

You will collaborate with physicists and engineers to define requirements, enforce design standards, and mentor junior staff while advancing optical stability and alignment in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years opto-mechanical design experience.
• 8+ years hands-on optics assembly in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and specification of complex opto-mechanical systems and ultra-high vacuum chambers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and guide hardware development.
• Architect robust mechanical solutions for optical assemblies with high precision, stability, and thermal performance.
• Establish design standards, lead design reviews, and drive DFMA for scalable production.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Leadership

DFMA

Tolerance analysis

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

Job description

Job DescriptionJob 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- 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- 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 (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 , 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.