Optical Engineer
$120,000 - $145,000/year
11 Apr 2025
Boulder, CO, USA
Verified by Turrior
Content + Source + Freshness • 16 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
88 / 100
Offer value
Excellent opportunity for seasoned optical engineers to contribute to groundbreaking technologies with competitive compensation.
- Work in a leading-edge quantum technology environment.
- Competitive compensation with extensive benefits.
- Diverse team and collaborative culture.
Pros
- Engagement in cutting-edge optical engineering projects.
- Opportunity for career advancement in a growing startup.
- Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off.
Cons
- Expectations for high precision and detail may be demanding.
- Requires robust knowledge of optical system design.
- Challenge in rapid prototyping and deployment.
Who it's for
Experienced optical engineers • On-site role with collaborative team dynamics.
Good fit
- Optical engineers with extensive hands-on experience.
- Candidates passionate about optical innovations.
- Professionals interested in precision engineering roles.
Not recommended for
- New graduates or those without relevant experience.
- Individuals resistant to collaborative lab environments.
- Candidates seeking non-operational or desk-bound roles.
Motivation fit
Desire to innovate in optical technology.Interest in working on collaborative engineering teams.A drive for precision in delivering engineering solutions.
Key skills
Optical system designRay tracing software proficiencyCollaboration with mechanical engineersHands-on optics assembly
Score: 88/100 AI verified analysis
About the job
At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join an incredible team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state of the art in quantum technologies that will transform computing performance.
Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly.
Job Requirements
- Partner with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
- Analyze and make recommendations to the engineering team 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
- Assist in hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
- Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or Optical Engineering, advanced degree a plus
- 5+ years optical design experience
- 2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
- Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging
- Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
- Experience with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
- Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
- Understanding of optical cavities, a plus
- 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
Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical,
dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
The base salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $145,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
