Senior Optical Engineer

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited paid time off

401K company matching

Short- and long-term disability

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Drinks and snacks

Catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing is seeking an experienced optical design engineer in Boulder, Colorado to join a team advancing quantum computing technology. This role includes leading designs of optical systems and managing technical initiatives while collaborating with engineers and physicists.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or related fields and 5-8 years of experience in optical design and assembly. The position offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, and numerous benefits including comprehensive healthcare and unlimited paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of optical design experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead partnerships with engineers to design optical subsystems.
• Define system architecture and strategic decisions for requirements.
• Create designs and specifications for optical systems.
• Evaluate design solutions through tolerance and stray light analysis.
• Develop alignment procedures for optical designs.
• Lead assembly and precision alignment of optical designs.
• Characterize performance of optical subsystems.

Skills

Design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems

Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software

Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD software

Project management skills

High attention-to-detail and accuracy

Creative and critical thinking

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field

Advanced degree

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.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
• Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements
• Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
• Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
• Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
• Lead hands‑on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
• Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
• 5‑8+ years optical design experience
• 4+ years of hands‑on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment

Qualifications

• Experience in the design of high‑numerical‑aperture imaging systems
• Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray‑tracing software
• Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
• Project management skills and ability to lead technical initiatives independently
• High attention‑to‑detail and accuracy
• Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
• 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 $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.