Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision

Unlimited PTO

401K company matching

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

FSA

Dependent care benefits

Life insurance

Drinks and snacks

Catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, Inc. seeks a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of optical subsystems, fixtures, and integration. You will work with optical engineers and physicists on laser distribution, imaging, and vacuum chamber interfaces, owning projects from concept to delivery.

The role requires 5–8+ years in opto-mechanical design, expertise in SolidWorks and FEA, and experience mentoring engineers in a collaborative environment. On-site in Boulder, CO with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Hands-on optics and opto-mechanical best practices.
• Mastery of SolidWorks, PDM, or equivalent software.
• Strong background with FEA and first-order analyses.
• Understanding materials for adhesives in optical environments.
• DFMA, tolerancing per ASME Y14.5M and ISO 10110.
• Good knowledge of first-order optics and aberration theory.
• Designing precision mechanisms and kinematic systems.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading reviews.
• Proven track record owning complex projects.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanics for optical subsystems including laser distribution and high-NA imaging.
• Collaborate with physicists to design VAC chambers and mechanical couplings.
• Own complex technical projects from concept to delivery.
• Analyze and optimize designs balancing competing requirements.
• Create specifications from component to system level.
• Perform stability, thermal, and tolerance analyses on designs.
• Assist hands-on assembly, alignment, and integration.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

SolidWorks

FEA

PDM

First order optics

DFMA

ASME Y14.5M

ISO 10110

Kinematic systems

Mentoring

Project ownership

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Eng

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

FEA tools

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 a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems, while also assisting with fixturing, assembly, alignment, test, and integration.

Job Responsibilities

• Work independently and partner with optical engineers and physicists to iteratively design mechanics for optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
• Work with physicists to design ultra‑high vacuum chambers, vacuum system housing, and mechanical coupling to optical systems
• Own complex technical projects from concept to delivery
• Analyze and make recommendations to the engineering team to balance competing requirements
• Create novel designs and specifications from the component level up to the system level
• Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed stability, thermal, and tolerance analysis
• Assist in hands‑on assembly, alignment, and integration of finalized designs

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, advanced degree is a plus
• 5-8+ years opto‑mechanical design experience

Qualifications

• Hands on experience with optics and opto‑mechanical best practices
• Mastery of SolidWorks, PDM, or equivalent design and data management software
• Strong background with FEA (meshing, modal analysis, thermal analysis, etc.) and corresponding first order analysis
• Understanding of material science related to adhesives in an optical environment
• DFMA, tolerancing, drawings to ASME Y14.5M and ISO 10110
• Strong knowledge of first order optics and aberration theory
• Design of precision mechanisms and kinematic systems
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading technical reviews
• Proven track record of owning complex technical projects
• Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
• Excellent communication, listening, and people skills
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

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!

• fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents
• unlimited paid time off
• 401K company matching
• short- and long-term disability
• FSA
• dependent care benefits
• life insurance
• drinks
• snacks
• 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.

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.