Principal Subsystem Build and Test Engineer

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. in Boulder, CO is seeking an experienced leader to oversee the build, integration, and testing of complex optical and related subsystems.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team and partner with Engineering to translate designs into practical assembly and test methods. Responsibilities include establishing repeatable build processes with Manufacturing and Quality, providing hands-on direction, troubleshooting, and driving continuous improvements in fixtures and procedures

Qualifications

• BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical hardware.
• 3+ years mentoring engineers/technicians in integration, manufacturing, or test environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
• Partner with Engineering on first‑of‑a‑kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures.
• Provide hands‑on direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose build and test failures and identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues.

Skills

Optical alignment

Team leadership

First-of-a-kind builds

Troubleshooting

Documentation & records

Process improvement

Education

BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Job description

• Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians
• Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures
• Provide hands‑on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting
• Diagnose build and test failures and work with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues
• Ensure required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin
• Maintain accurate build, inspection, and test records and release verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T)
• Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time and use repeat‑build findings to improve processes and fixtures
• Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification
• Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts

Responsibilities

• Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians
• Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures
• Provide hands‑on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting
• Diagnose build and test failures and work with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues
• Ensure required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin
• Maintain accurate build, inspection, and test records and release verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T)
• Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time and use repeat‑build findings to improve processes and fixtures
• Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification
• Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts

Experience & Education

• BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. Advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware
• 3+ years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment

Qualifications

• Extensive hands‑on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems
• Experience working with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems
• Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production
• Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and the measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems
• Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems
• Experience working with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes
• Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues
• Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware preferred
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

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.