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Salary: USD 160,000 - 185,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. We are seeking a Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and support fixturing, assembly, alignment, test, and integration efforts.
In this role, you will initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation opto-mechanical systems, ultra-high vacuum chambers, and mechanical infrastructure from component to system level. You will collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to define product requirements and inform hardware development lifecycle decisions. Working closely with physicists and subject matter experts, you will architect robust mechanical solutions for optical assemblies, ensuring high-precision stability, thermal performance, and alignment integrity.
You will establish and enforce rigorous design standards and best practices for opto-mechanical engineering, leading critical design reviews, performing advanced tolerance analysis, and driving Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) to ensure scalability. You will provide high-level technical leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly, alignment, and system integration of critical opto-mechanical designs.
Mentoring is a key part of this role: you will mentor junior team members, generate internal training documentation, and drive technical growth and standardization within the engineering organization. You will participate in long-term technical program planning, contribute to roadmap development and resource assessments, and serve as a subject matter expert for technical documentation, grant proposals, and IP generation (patents and inventions).
Additionally, you will oversee external vendor relationships for complex component development, manage the design process, and define key deliverables. You will troubleshoot complex technical issues across the product lifecycle, both at Atom and at off-site customer facilities. The role requires the ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (advanced degree is a plus)
- 10+ years of opto-mechanical design experience
- 8+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
- Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design and build of complex opto-mechanical systems
- Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, with ability to mentor and scale engineering team capabilities
- Mastery of SolidWorks, PDM, or equivalent design and data management software
- Strong background with FEA (meshing, modal analysis, thermal analysis) and corresponding first-order analysis
- Deep understanding of material science related to adhesives in optical environments
- Ability to own and mentor team members in DFMA, tolerancing, and drawings to ASME Y14.5M and ISO 10110
- Strong knowledge of first-order optics and aberration theory
- Robust history in precision mechanisms and kinematic systems
- Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment with excellent communication and people skills
