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Salary: USD 170,000 - 200,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. We seek a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer to establish the processes, tooling, and quality controls needed for repeatable, high-volume neutral-atom quantum-computer builds.
In this role, you will lead the manufacturing engineering and quality team for Atom's new manufacturing organization. You'll drive design for manufacturability, assembly, test, and serviceability (DfX) across optical, electronic, and vacuum/mechanical subsystems, working closely with design and production teams to shape processes and tooling from inception. Your focus is on making quantum hardware easier to assemble, align, test, and service while reducing build cycles and rework.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead manufacturing and process engineering, quality, reliability, and machining support; prioritize 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 production teams.
- Design and qualify assembly, alignment, bonding, and inspection fixtures; direct machining and tooling support.
- Capture first-of-a-kind learning in work instructions and training, with controlled revisions and personnel qualification before new methods enter production.
- Establish inspection, calibration, nonconformance, corrective-action, and release procedures with the Manufacturing Quality team.
- Lead root-cause analysis of assembly defects, alignment rework, and test failures; use 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.
Requirements:
- BS in manufacturing, mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering, physics, or related field; 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.
- 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.
