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 Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on-site at our Boulder, CO facility 4-5 days per week.
Job Responsibilities
- Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
- Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
- Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
- Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
- Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
- Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
- Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
- Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
- Generate new intellectual property and inventions
- Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
- External speaking and/or customer engagements
- Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
- 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
- 10+ years optical design experience
- 7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
- Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
Qualifications
- Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
- Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
- Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
- Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
- Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
- Deep experience and knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
- Experience with high-power lasers and optical design toward high-power systems.
- Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
- Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site
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 $160,000-185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field
- Advanced degree (master's/PhD)
- 10+ years optical design experience
- 7+ years hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
- Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
- Deep expertise in high-numerical-aperture imaging system design and laser distribution networks
- Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
- Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
- Experience with Onshape, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D CAD
- Deep experience with free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
- Experience with high-power lasers and optical design for high-power systems
- Proven leadership driving technical initiatives and mentoring engineers
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
- Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds
- Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
- Industry experience in commercial product development and customer-site deployment
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.
