Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Atom Computing•Boulder, CO

About The Position

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer to establish the processes, tooling, and quality controls needed to build neutral-atom quantum computers repeatably. The role leads design for manufacturability, assembly, test, and serviceability (DfX), while subsystem and system integration teams own build execution. The successful candidate will build the manufacturing engineering and quality team for Atom's new manufacturing organization and help shape hardware designs, processes, and tooling to make quantum systems easier to assemble, align, test, and service.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant technical experience.
10+ years in manufacturing or process engineering for precision optical, electromechanical, or scientific equipment.
At least 3 years managing technical teams.
Demonstrated experience taking engineering prototypes into repeat production through process qualification, fixture development, DfX, and controlled documentation.
Experience overseeing quality and corrective-action activities.
Strong DfX judgment for precision optomechanical and electronic hardware, including tolerances, alignment sensitivity, contamination control, and service access.
Working knowledge of optical bonding and alignment, vacuum/mechanical assembly, and electronic production methods.
Experience qualifying manufacturing processes, fixtures, measurement methods, and operators for repeatable technical production.
Knowledge of first-article inspection, calibration, nonconformance control, root-cause analysis, and effective corrective action.
Ability to influence design decisions using build data and lead technical teams while keeping process ownership distinct from production execution.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Quantum-hardware, photonics, or atomic-instrument manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Lead manufacturing and process engineering, quality, reliability, and machining support; set priorities based on build readiness, technical risks, and recurring production issues.
Drive DfX reviews of optical, electronic, and vacuum/mechanical hardware to improve assembly, alignment, inspection, and service access.
Develop and qualify controlled optical cleaning, bonding, precision assembly, and electronic build/test methods with Engineering and production teams.
Design and qualify assembly, alignment, bonding, and inspection fixtures; direct machining and tooling support for approved manufacturing needs.
Capture first-of-a-kind learning in work instructions and training, with controlled revisions and qualification of affected personnel before new methods enter production.
Collaborate with the Manufacturing Quality team to establish inspection, calibration, nonconformance, corrective-action, and release processes.
Lead root-cause analysis of assembly defects, alignment rework, and test failures; use findings to improve processes and maintainability.
Demonstrate shorter build cycles through simpler assembly, better fixtures, and reduced rework; monitor process readiness, first-pass results, and corrective-action effectiveness.

Benefits

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