Quantum Optics Engineer — Cavities & Modulators (Equity)

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision

Unlimited paid time off

401(k) company matching

Short- and long-term disability

FSA

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Drinks, snacks, catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing seeks an Optical Physicist to design, model, and prototype optical devices that scale quantum processors. You will work with a cross-disciplinary team to translate concepts into deployable hardware and validate them experimentally.

The role emphasizes cutting-edge optoelectronics, optical cavities, modulators, and laser physics, with opportunities to contribute to a fast-growing quantum computing startup. Strong collaboration and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, or closely related discipline with a strong focus on experimental optics.
• Deep theoretical and experimental mastery of advanced optical physics (e.g., optical cavities, frequency combs, optical modulators, or nonlinear optics).
• Proven experience designing, building, and characterizing complex experimental optical setups from first principles.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Perform theoretical modeling (analytical and numerical), prototyping, and experimental validation to translate novel optical concepts into deployable hardware for scaling quantum processors.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experimental physicists, quantum theorists, optical engineers, and hardware and software engineers to integrate new technologies into our quantum computers.
• Analyze experimental findings and communicate insights to guide hardware design.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics / Applied Physics / Optical Sciences

Tools

Python

Git

Job description

Atom Computing seeks an Optical Physicist to design, model, and prototype optical devices that scale quantum processors. You will work with a cross-disciplinary team to translate concepts into deployable hardware and validate them experimentally.

The role emphasizes cutting-edge optoelectronics, optical cavities, modulators, and laser physics, with opportunities to contribute to a fast-growing quantum computing startup. Strong collaboration and communication are essential.