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Salary: USD 140,000 - 170,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. We are seeking an Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to join our hardware team and build, align, and verify optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies for neutral-atom quantum computers.
In this hands-on role, you will:
- 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 required beam paths and subsystem interfaces.
- Measure optical power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling performance using 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.
- Collaborate 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 during system integration.
- Learn first-of-a-kind methods alongside Engineering and improve repeat-build alignment instructions, fixtures, and assembly sequences with Manufacturing Engineering.
You will deliver tested optical subsystems and alignment records to the system integration team, working closely with bonding, verification, and integration teams.
REQUIREMENTS:
- BS in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related discipline (advanced degree preferred); or equivalent relevant optical-engineering experience.
- 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; 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.
- Familiarity with measurement-data analysis or laboratory scripting preferred.
- Experience with neutral-atom quantum-computer optics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, or precision scientific instrumentation preferred.
- Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.
