Atom Computing

Quantum computing with neutral atom qubits

Optical Assembly and Alignment Engineer

Hardware EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBoulder, CO, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant optical-engineering experience.
At least 5 years of hands-on optical assembly, free-space alignment, fiber coupling, and characterization of precision laser or photonics hardware.
Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements for subsystem acceptance.
Strong practical knowledge of free-space beam alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and the relationship between component placement and optical performance.
Proficiency with optical power meters, beam-imaging cameras, and related bench metrology.
Ability to interpret optical layouts and optomechanical drawings and work safely with delicate coated optics.
Ability to troubleshoot systematically and maintain careful records so another engineer can reproduce alignment and verification results.
Ability to work closely with bonding, verification, and integration teams.
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assemble optical breadboards and optomechanical hardware from released layouts, drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
Install and align lenses, mirrors, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies to establish the required beam paths and subsystem interfaces.
Measure optical power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling performance; use wavefront measurements where required by approved test procedures.
Troubleshoot optical loss, clipping, alignment drift, and polarization errors; document findings and perform approved adjustments or rework.
Work with Optical Bonding Technicians to establish pre-bond alignment and verify that curing or fastening has not disturbed optical performance.
Maintain optical cleanliness, protect sensitive coatings, and follow approved handling and laser-safety practices throughout assembly and test.
Complete subsystem verification and maintain component, alignment, and measurement records; support resolution of optical issues found during system integration.
Learn first-of-a-kind methods alongside Engineering and improve repeat-build alignment instructions, fixtures, and assembly sequences with Manufacturing Engineering.

Desired Qualifications

An advanced degree.
Experience with neutral-atom quantum-computer optics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, or precision scientific instrumentation.
Experience with wavefront measurement.
Familiarity with measurement-data analysis or laboratory scripting.

Salary Range: 100000 to 140000 (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.

We are seeking an Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to build, align, and verify optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies for neutral-atom quantum computers. This hands-on role delivers tested optical subsystems and alignment records to the system integration team.

Responsibilities

Assemble optical breadboards and optomechanical hardware from released layouts, drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.

Install and align lenses, mirrors, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies to establish the required beam paths and subsystem interfaces.

Measure optical power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling performance; use wavefront measurements where required by approved test procedures.

Troubleshoot optical loss, clipping, alignment drift, and polarization errors; document findings and perform approved adjustments or rework.

Work with Optical Bonding Technicians to establish pre-bond alignment and verify that curing or fastening has not disturbed optical performance.

Maintain optical cleanliness, protect sensitive coatings, and follow approved handling and laser-safety practices throughout assembly and test.

Complete subsystem verification and maintain component, alignment, and measurement records; support resolution of optical issues found during system integration.

Learn first-of-a-kind methods alongside Engineering and improve repeat-build alignment instructions, fixtures, and assembly sequences with Manufacturing Engineering.

Experience & Education

BS in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant optical-engineering experience; advanced degree preferred.

5+ years of hands-on optical assembly, free-space alignment, fiber coupling, and characterization of precision laser or photonics hardware.

Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements for subsystem acceptance.

Experience with neutral-atom quantum-computer optics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, or precision scientific instrumentation preferred.

Qualifications

Strong practical knowledge of free-space beam alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and the relationship between component placement and optical performance.

Proficiency with optical power meters, beam-imaging cameras, and related bench metrology; wavefront-measurement experience preferred.

Ability to interpret optical layouts and optomechanical drawings and work safely with delicate coated optics.

Systematic troubleshooting and careful recordkeeping so another engineer can reproduce alignment and verification results.

Ability to work closely with bonding, verification, and integration teams; familiarity with measurement-data analysis or laboratory scripting preferred.

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!

The base salary range for this position is between $100,000 - $140,000, 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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