Atom Computing

Quantum computing with neutral atom qubits

Senior Optical Engineer

Hardware EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBoulder, CO, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required.
At least 5 years of optical design experience is required.
At least 4 years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment is required.
Experience designing high-numerical-aperture imaging systems is required.
Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software is required.
Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software is required.
Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently are required.
The role requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
The role requires attention to detail and accuracy.
The role requires creative and critical thinking and the ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment.
The role requires the ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment.
The role requires communication, listening, and people skills.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems for laser distribution, high-numerical-aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities.
Define system architecture and make strategic decisions to balance competing requirements.
Create novel designs and specifications for optical systems and subsystems, from component level through system level.
Evaluate the suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis.
Develop alignment procedures for optical designs.
Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs.
Characterize the performance of optical subsystems.

Desired Qualifications

An advanced degree is a plus.

Salary Range: 150000 to 180000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

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.

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly.

This position reports to the Optical Engineering Manager and requires on-site work at our Boulder, CO facility five days per week.

Job Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities

Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements.

Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level

Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis

Develop alignment procedures for optical designs

Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs

Characterize the performance of optical subsystems

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

5+ years optical design experience

4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment

Qualifications

Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems

Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software

Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software

Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently.

High attention-to-detail and accuracy

Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment

Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment

Excellent communication, listening and people skills

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 $150,000 - $180,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

About the Company

Atom Computing

Quantum computing with neutral atom qubits

Atom Computing builds quantum computers using neutral atom qubits, based in Berkeley. Its hardware relies on arrays of neutral atoms that act as qubits and can maintain quantum states for long periods, enabling complex calculations. The product works by trapping and manipulating these atoms with lasers and devices to perform quantum operations, with systems designed to scale to larger qubit counts while preserving coherence. The company differentiates itself by its focus on neutral-atom technology, which can offer long coherence times and scalable architectures, supported by collaborations, funding, and partnerships rather than relying solely on a single approach or software-only solutions. Its goal is to become a leader in quantum computing by delivering high-performance systems to universities, research groups, and tech companies, while continuing R&D and forming strategic partnerships to accelerate progress in the field.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Series C
Total funding: $301.2M
Headquarters: Berkeley, CA
Founded: 2018

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