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 Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer to establish the processes, tooling, and quality controls needed for repeatable neutral-atom quantum-computer builds. This role leads design for manufacturability, assembly, test, and serviceability (DfX), while subsystem and system integration teams own build execution.
Build the manufacturing engineering and quality team for Atom's new manufacturing organization. You'll help shape designs, processes, and tooling from the start, with the opportunity to see your improvements make quantum hardware easier to assemble, align, test, and service.
Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing and process engineering, quality, reliability, and machining support; set priorities based on build readiness, technical risks, and recurring production issues.
- Drive DfX reviews of optical, electronic, and vacuum/mechanical hardware to improve assembly, alignment, inspection, and service access.
- Develop and qualify controlled optical cleaning, bonding, precision assembly, and electronic build/test methods with Engineering and the production teams.
- Design and qualify assembly, alignment, bonding, and inspection fixtures; direct machining and tooling support for approved manufacturing needs.
- Capture first-of-a-kind learning in work instructions and training, with controlled revisions and qualification of affected personnel before new methods enter production.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Quality team to establish inspection, calibration, nonconformance, corrective-action, and release
- Lead root-cause analysis of assembly defects, alignment rework, and test failures; use the findings to improve processes and maintainability.
- Demonstrate shorter build cycles through simpler assembly, better fixtures, and reduced rework; monitor process readiness, first-pass results, and corrective-action effectiveness.
Experience & Education
- BS in manufacturing, mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant technical experience; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years in manufacturing or process engineering for precision optical, electromechanical, or scientific equipment, including 3+ years managing technical teams.
- Demonstrated experience taking engineering prototypes into repeat production through process qualification, fixture development, DfX, and controlled documentation.
- Experience overseeing quality and corrective-action activities; quantum-hardware, photonics, or atomic-instrument manufacturing experience preferred.
Qualifications
- Strong DfX judgment for precision optomechanical and electronic hardware, including tolerances, alignment sensitivity, contamination control, and service access.
- Working knowledge of optical bonding and alignment, vacuum/mechanical assembly, and electronic production methods.
- Experience qualifying manufacturing processes, fixtures, measurement methods, and operators for repeatable technical production.
- Knowledge of first-article inspection, calibration, nonconformance control, root-cause analysis, and effective corrective action.
- Ability to influence design decisions using build data and lead technical teams while keeping process ownership distinct from production execution.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant technical experience
- 10+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience for precision optical, electromechanical, or scientific equipment
- 3+ years managing technical teams
- Experience taking engineering prototypes into repeat production through process qualification, fixture development, DfX, and controlled documentation
- Experience overseeing quality and corrective-action activities
- Strong DfX judgment for precision optomechanical and electronic hardware, including tolerances, alignment sensitivity, contamination control, and service access
- Working knowledge of optical bonding and alignment, vacuum/mechanical assembly, and electronic production methods
- Experience qualifying manufacturing processes, fixtures, measurement methods, and operators for repeatable technical production
- Knowledge of first-article inspection, calibration, nonconformance control, root-cause analysis, and corrective action
- Ability to influence design decisions using build data and lead technical teams while keeping process ownership distinct from production execution
- Advanced degree
- Quantum-hardware, photonics, or atomic-instrument manufacturing experience
Atom Computing Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Atom Computing and has not been reviewed or approved by Atom Computing.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare benefits include fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, plus life and disability protection. This is presented as a significant strength of the total rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited paid time off is offered and highlighted in company materials and postings. This policy is intended to support work-life balance.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) company match is offered to support retirement planning. This adds meaningful long-term value alongside salary and health benefits.
Atom Computing Insights
What We Do
Scientific and technological breakthroughs take years of tireless work, fighting for resources and pushing for acceptance of new ideas. What keeps researchers and engineers plodding on to the next big discovery? It’s an obsession. A life’s calling. At Atom Computing, we’re our customers’ biggest fans on the journey of discovery. That’s why we’re obsessed with creating the world’s most scalable and reliable quantum computers—giving them the power to develop breakthroughs that change the world.
