Optical and Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Quantum-Art • Goleta, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Quantum-Art is a full-stack quantum computing company developing state-of-the-art quantum computing systems based on trapped-ion technology, encompassing both hardware and software. Our platforms integrate precision laser delivery, ultra-stable opto-mechanical assemblies, ion-trap hardware, and quantum-grade vacuum systems. We are expanding our electro-optics team and seek an engineer with strong optical and opto-mechanical design capabilities to help build high-performance beam delivery and optical subsystems. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and implementing free-space optical setups with a major focus on robust, stable, and tightly engineered opto-mechanical solutions. You will translate optical requirements into mechanical designs that minimize drift, ensure long-term alignment stability, and integrate seamlessly into compact quantum system architectures.

Requirements

• B.Sc./M.Sc. in Optics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Ph.D. a plus).
• Hands-on experience designing opto-mechanical assemblies: mounts, flexures, alignment stages, beam delivery modules, or precision optical packaging.
• Hands-on experience in building, aligning and testing optical and opto-mechanical setups and assemblies.
• Strong experience in free-space optical alignment, beam shaping, polarization control, and general optical lab practices.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor) and familiarity with mechanical tolerancing.
• Experience with optical simulation tools (Zemax/OpticStudio, CodeV, or Python/MATLAB beam-propagation tools).
• Understanding of Gaussian optics, stability analysis, and opto-mechanical coupling.
• Ability to generate clear documentation: assembly drawings, alignment procedures, test reports.
• Team-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with precision opto-mechanical design for laboratory or product environments.
• Background with ultra-stable optical systems (e.g., frequency-stabilized lasers, low-drift platforms).
• Experience with integrating optics into UHV chambers or compact instrumentation.
• Familiarity with vibration isolation, thermal management, and long-term alignment stability design principles.
• Experience with AMO/quantum-optics systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the opto-mechanical design of optical modules, including mounts, sub-assemblies, mechanical interfaces, compact beam-delivery modules, and vacuum-compatible components.
• Develop stable free-space optical layouts (beam shaping, splitting, polarization management, mode-matching, fiber coupling).
• Create detailed mechanical drawings, tolerancing analyses, and assembly documentation.
• Perform optical and mechanical simulations (Gaussian beam propagation, thermal and vibration sensitivity, mechanical stiffness, etc.).
• Own the assembly, alignment, and characterization of optical modules.
• Work closely with mechanical, systems, and quantum-hardware teams to ensure seamless integration into vacuum systems and ion-trap environments.
• Support transition from R&D prototypes to manufacturable, production-ready sub-systems.

What This Job Offers

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