Senior Optical Engineer - Quantum Hardware & Optics Lead

Infleqtion; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Unlimited PTO

Employer-funded Health Savings Account

Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave

Equity Package

Job summary

Infleqtion is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex optical subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms. The role is hands-on, labs-focused, with mentorship responsibilities and close collaboration with physicists and cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities include designing and testing optical subsystems, integrating atom-addressing technologies, and developing Zemax models for performance optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience; Master's/PhD preferred
• Strong foundation in geometrical, Fourier, and physical optics
• Proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical design
• Proficiency in Python for Zemax automation and data analysis
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks for opto-mechanical layouts
• Experience designing laser-based optics for microscopy, lithography, atomic physics, or quantum applications
• Experience with spatial light modulators (SLMs) and beam shaping
• Experience with beam-delivery and imaging systems; Gaussian beam analysis and fiber coupling
• Hands-on experience with optical components and modulators (filters, fibers, polarizers, waveplates, AOMs/AODs, EOMs, SLMs)
• Git or similar version control for design artifacts and scripts

Responsibilities

• Designing, modeling, and validating optical and laser-based subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms
• Integrating and testing atom addressing and control technologies (DMDs, SLMs, AODs, EOMs, metasurfaces)
• Collaborating with physics and engineering teams across the lifecycle
• Leading hands-on lab efforts: alignment, debugging, characterization
• Developing high-fidelity optical models using Zemax with tolerance analysis
• Transitioning research-grade configurations to commercial-ready hardware
• Providing technical guidance and informal mentorship
• Establishing best practices for optical design workflows and documentation

Skills

Optical engineering

Zemax OpticStudio

Python

SolidWorks

Laser optics

SLMs

Beam delivery

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related field

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Zemax automation

Git

SolidWorks

Job description

Infleqtion is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex optical subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms. The role is hands-on, labs-focused, with mentorship responsibilities and close collaboration with physicists and cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities include designing and testing optical subsystems, integrating atom-addressing technologies, and developing Zemax models for performance optimization.