Laser Engineer - Manufacturing

Atom Computing • Boulder, CO

22h

About The Position

Atom Computing is seeking a Laser Engineer to join its Manufacturing organization and help translate first-build experience into reliable, repeatable manufacturing processes for neutral-atom quantum computers. In this hands-on System Integration & Test (SI&T) role, the engineer will integrate, stabilize, characterize, and troubleshoot laser systems, develop setup, test, and recovery procedures, complete laser system checkout before atom operations, and prepare documentation for handoff to Quantum Engineers (QEs). QEs own verification with atoms and final technical acceptance.

Requirements

• BS in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience commissioning, stabilizing, characterizing, and troubleshooting precision laser systems.
• Practical experience with laser frequency or intensity stabilization, feedback control, and fault diagnosis.
• Hands-on free-space alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and handling of precision optical components.
• Proficiency with laser diagnostics such as wavemeters, photodiodes, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, and optical or RF spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to interpret optical layouts, electrical schematics, control interfaces, and test data.
• Careful documentation and clear communication with engineers, physicists, and technicians.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Experience transferring precision optical or scientific hardware from development into repeat builds.
• Experience with diode or fiber lasers, optical amplifiers, nonlinear frequency conversion, or atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) or neutral-atom hardware.
• Python or equivalent tools for instrument control and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Install, align, and commission laser sources, amplifiers, and associated stabilization hardware from approved designs, verifying optical, electrical, cooling, and control interfaces.
• Set up and tune frequency and intensity stabilization; verify lock acquisition, stability, and recovery using approved methods.
• Measure optical power, frequency stability, linewidth and noise where required, beam quality, and polarization; compare results with agreed laser acceptance and SI&T handoff criteria.
• Diagnose loss of lock, power drift, coupling degradation, thermal sensitivity, and interface faults; work with Laser Engineering, controls, and subsystem teams on approved corrections.
• Develop acceptance tests and controlled work instructions with Manufacturing Engineering for setup, alignment, calibration, and routine maintenance; use test automation where practical.
• Maintain serial-number, configuration, calibration, and test records; document non-conformance and corrective actions.
• Support system integration and laser hardware corrections during QE testing.
• Follow laser-safety, interlock, and contamination-control practices; coordinate technical support and repairs with laser suppliers.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401K company matching.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• FSA and dependent care benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in the offices every day.
• Annual bonus.
• Equity in the company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level