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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 Optical Engineer to serve as a technical lead defining and implementing 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 next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. Reporting directly to the VP of Optical Engineering, you will work on-site at our Boulder, CO facility four to five days per week.
Key responsibilities include:
- Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from component to system level
- Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand product use cases and inform hardware development
- Work with physicists to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules
- Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, tolerance analysis, and stray light modeling
- Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems
- Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment
- 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
- Engage in external speaking and customer engagements
- Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
- Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree a plus)
- 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 and demonstrated leadership in high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
- Proven track record driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment with ability to mentor and scale engineering team 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 dynamic environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred: Experience with neutral atom quantum computing; industry/professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to customer site.
