Principal Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States; on-site 4–5 days per week

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

Company

Develops quantum computers based on arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms.

What you will do

• Lead the design and specification of complex optical systems and subsystems from component to system level.
• Develop optical requirements and system architectures for assemblies, modules, and next-generation neutral-atom quantum computers.
• Establish optical design standards, conduct critical design reviews, and perform tolerance, stray-light, and STOP analyses.
• Define precision alignment procedures and oversee hands-on assembly and alignment of finalized optical designs.
• Manage development of complex optical components with external vendors and define technical deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers, contribute to technical documents and intellectual property, and troubleshoot systems at company and customer facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of optical design experience and 7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience taking a complex optical system from conception through productization.
• Expertise in high-numerical-aperture imaging systems, complex laser distribution networks, free-space and fiber optics, lasers, polarization, detection, and optical metrology.
• Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software, plus experience with STOP analysis and Onshape, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D CAD.
• Ability to lead complex technical initiatives, mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice to have

• Experience with neutral-atom quantum computing.
• Industry experience in commercial product development and deployment at customer sites.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaboration with 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.
• Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches provided in the office.