Senior Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K match

Disability insurance

FSA

Dependent care benefits

Daily meals & snacks

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms.

We are seeking a Senior Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to build and verify optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies for neutral-atom systems. This bench-focused role defines placement, alignment, polarization, and optical performance, delivering verified assemblies to the system integration team.

Qualifications

• 7+ years hands-on optical assembly and free-space alignment.
• Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements.
• Experience with neutral-atom quantum-optics or AMO systems preferred.
• BS in optics or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build optical breadboards from layouts, BOMs, and instructions; verify optics and mounts.
• Install and align lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies.
• Measure throughput, power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling efficiency; use wavefront sensors or interferometers when required.
• Diagnose beam clipping, optical loss, pointing drift, polarization errors; document changes and perform approved adjustments.
• Record identifiers, revisions, alignment references, and measurements in the subsystem traveler and release package.
• Deliver verified assemblies to System Integration & Test and assist with integration issues.
• Propose repeatable alignment sequences and fixtures using measured data.

Skills

Optical assembly

Free-space alignment

Fiber coupling

Beam alignment

Metrology

Documentation & compliance

Education

BS in optics or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Wavefront sensors

Interferometers

Optical breadboards

Fiber-coupling setups

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.

We are seeking an Senior Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to build and verify the optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies used in neutral-atom quantum computers. This bench-focused role establishes component placement, beam alignment, polarization, and optical performance at the subsystem level, delivering verified assemblies to the system integration team.

Responsibilities

• Build optical breadboards from released layouts, drawings, bills of materials, and instructions; verify optic identity, coating orientation, mount placement, and assembly references
• Install and align lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies to establish specified free-space beam paths, geometry, and subsystem interfaces
• Measure throughput, power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling efficiency; use wavefront sensors or interferometers when required by the approved subsystem verification procedure
• Diagnose beam clipping, optical loss, pointing drift, polarization errors, and mount-induced alignment changes; document the cause and perform only approved adjustment or rework
• Establish pre-bond alignment and fixturing with Optical Bonding Technicians; compare alignment and optical measurements after curing before accepting the assembly
• Inspect and clean optical surfaces using approved methods; protect sensitive coatings and maintain clean-handling and laser-safety practices through build, test, storage, and delivery
• Combine optical-board assemblies into the assigned subsystem and execute approved verification steps; subsystem optical tests remain separate from later testing with atoms
• Record component identifiers, revisions, alignment references, instrument identity, raw measurements, and completed steps in the subsystem traveler and release package
• Capture first-of-a-kind alignment methods alongside Engineering; propose repeatable sequences, fixtures, and access improvements using measured rework and repeatability data
• Deliver verified assemblies and alignment records to System Integration & Test; diagnose subsystem issues identified during integration while preserving the approved configuration

Experience & Education

• BS in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred
• 7+ years of hands-on optical assembly, free-space alignment, fiber coupling, and characterization of precision laser or photonics hardware
• Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements for subsystem acceptance
• Experience with neutral-atom quantum-computer optics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, or precision scientific instrumentation preferred

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 $170,000 - $200,000 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.