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Senior Optical Engineer
Atom ComputingUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 3 Mar 2026
💰 $175,000/yr($150,000/yr – $175,000/yr)
About the role
At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly.
The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
Job Requirements
- Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
- Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements.
- Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
- Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
- Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
- Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
- Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
- Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
- 5-8+ years optical design experience
- 4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
- Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
- Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
- Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
- Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently.
- High attention-to-detail and accuracy
- Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
- Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
- Excellent communication, listening and people skills
The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
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