Senior Optical Engineer, Quantum & Photonics

Rydberg Technologies; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rydberg Technologies is seeking an Optical Engineer to design, integrate, assemble, and test advanced optical systems for atom-based quantum and photonic devices. You will work with physicists and engineers on precision assemblies, metrology-driven testing, and robust hardware design.

The role requires hands-on expertise with optics, lasers, and optoelectronics, plus strong CAD and simulation skills (Zemax, LightTools, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS).

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; substantial industry experience accepted.
• Minimum 5 years of Optical Engineering or related experience.
• Strong background in optics and laser development and implementation.
• Proficiency with Zemax/LightTools and SolidWorks/COMSOL.
• Experience with fiber optics, optical metrology tools, and frequency-stabilized lasers.
• Programming in Python, C, and MATLAB is preferred.
• Experience with optical test and measurement equipment and methodologies.
• Familiarity with atomic quantum technologies and their optical subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and develop complex micro-optical assemblies, lasers, and optoelectronics.
• Execute hands-on tasks including precision assembly, integration, and testing to meet high performance standards.
• Design and test optical setups for R&D, applying optical metrology tools for quantitative tasks.
• Conduct mechanical and thermal simulations to ensure robust hardware in harsh environments using SolidWorks and COMSOL.
• Collaborate on manufacturing processes for optical and quantum devices.
• Manage documentation and project details through all development stages.
• Use Zemax and LightTools or similar software, and SolidWorks for design and prototyping; ANSYS for simulations.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers and support staff.
• Stay current with industry trends in optical metrology and engineering.

Skills

Team Collaboration

Project Management

Hands-on Assembly and Testing

Analytical Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Independent Work

Teamwork in Fast-Paced Environment

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

LightTools

SolidWorks

COMSOL

ANSYS

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Rydberg Technologies is seeking an Optical Engineer to design, integrate, assemble, and test advanced optical systems for atom-based quantum and photonic devices. You will work with physicists and engineers on precision assemblies, metrology-driven testing, and robust hardware design.

The role requires hands-on expertise with optics, lasers, and optoelectronics, plus strong CAD and simulation skills (Zemax, LightTools, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS).