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Salary: USD 150,000 - 175,000 / annual
Atom Computing is building quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms. As a Senior Laser Engineer, you will independently own the precision laser and optical systems that keep our quantum computers running reliably.
You will bring deep expertise in laser and optics domains to solve the company's hardest technical problems, set the bar for documentation and technical rigor, and partner closely with physicists, hardware, and software engineers as the company scales.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own alignment, tuning, and troubleshooting of laser and optical systems (diode and fiber lasers/amplifiers, nonlinear optical systems) with minimal supervision
- Design, characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems for new hardware builds and upgrades
- Lead technical projects end-to-end: gather requirements, build action plans, and drive prioritization and schedule
- Analyze optical test data—plotting, fitting, interpreting—to guide design and troubleshooting decisions
- Set the documentation and technical-writing standard for the team, and review the work of other engineers
- Partner with experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers, and report progress to the Laser Engineering Manager
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree a plus)
- 5+ years of experience using, maintaining, and independently developing optical, opto-mechanical, and/or laser systems
- Demonstrated mastery in at least one laser/optics domain (e.g., diode/fiber lasers and amplifiers, nonlinear optical systems, phase-locking), evidenced by concrete project contributions
- Track record of leading laser/optical projects independently, from requirements through completion
- Experience designing and modeling nonlinear optical or laser/amplifier systems
- Strong data analysis skills, and comfort producing and working from engineering documentation (change orders, assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams)
- Excellent communicator, able to set the documentation and technical-writing bar for a cross-functional team of physicists and engineers
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior engineers
- Proficiency with Python and Git
- Proficiency with Zemax, Onshape, and/or SolidWorks/CAD
