Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States; on-site

Base salary: $160,000–$185,000 per year, plus annual bonus and equity.

Company

Builds quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms.

What you will do

• Lead the design and specification of complex opto-mechanical systems, ultra-high vacuum chambers, and mechanical infrastructure from component to system level.
• Define product requirements with engineering leaders and contribute to next-generation hardware roadmaps and resource planning.
• Architect precision optical assemblies with physicists and subject matter experts, ensuring mechanical stability, thermal performance, and alignment integrity.
• Lead design reviews, tolerance analysis, DFMA, assembly, alignment, testing, and system integration.
• Mentor junior engineers, create technical training documentation, and drive engineering standards and process improvements.
• Manage external vendors, contribute to technical documentation, grant proposals, patents, and troubleshooting across customer facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; an advanced degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of opto-mechanical design experience and 8+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment.
• Deep expertise in complex opto-mechanical systems, precision mechanisms, kinematic systems, and first-order optics and aberration theory.
• Mastery of SolidWorks, PDM, or equivalent design and data management software, plus FEA and first-order analysis.
• Experience with optical-environment adhesives, DFMA, tolerancing, ASME Y14.5M drawings, and ISO 10110.
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, mentor others, and lift or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Culture & Benefits

• Work alongside scientists, engineers, and business professionals advancing quantum computing.
• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off, 401(k) company matching, disability coverage, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.
• Daily drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in the offices.