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Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Subsystem Build & Test Engineer to lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies for quantum computing hardware. This is a hands-on technical leadership role combining deep engineering expertise with team development.
You will manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians while providing hands-on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting. Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds, translating designs into practical assembly and test methods. Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures.
Key responsibilities include diagnosing build and test failures and working with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues; ensuring required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin; maintaining accurate build, inspection, and test records; and releasing verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T). You will track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time, using repeat-build findings to improve processes and fixtures. Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification. Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts.
This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in precision optical and complex hardware systems who is ready to scale their impact through team leadership and process optimization in a cutting-edge quantum computing environment.
REQUIREMENTS:
- BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or related technical field (advanced degree preferred)
- 8+ years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware
- 3+ years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment
- Extensive hands-on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems
- Experience with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems
- Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production
- Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems
- Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems
- Experience with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes
- Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues
- Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware preferred
- Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds
